Jain Biology

SR No.: 006905
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jethalal S Zaveri, Mahendramuni
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati
Publication Year: 2008
Total Pages: 152
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 13 MB

Page 73

hamsagarbha, kankuştha, sulphur, candraprabhā, lapis lazuli, jalakānta, suryakānta, which are again very much the same as in Uttaradhyayana, except that 40 varieties' in the Prajñāpanā are named instead of 36 in Uttaradhyayana.2 It could be easily seen that these numbers indicate only popularly known varieties and has not much significance. In fact the varieties caused by difference of colour, smell, taste, touch, shape, and location are stated to be 700,000.
The distinction between the subtle and the gross is explained separately in the form of a query by the disciple: the distinction has definitely nothing to do with the fineness or grossness in size but is purely transcendental and caused by the fruition of different sub-species of the body-making (Nāma) karman, viz. sukṣma nāma karman, and bādara nāma karman.
WATER-BODIED ORGANISMS:
While dealing with water-bodied organisms, again, there is no significant difference between the two scriptures, except that many more types of water are named in Prajñāpanā Sūtra-cold, hot, saltish water, sea water (names of some seas are also given). As before the varieties caused by the colour etc. are stated to be again 700,000.
The same applies to the treatment of Fire-bodied as well as Airbodied organisms. In every case, we have many more types mentioned by name but the basic classification is identical in both scriptures.
BOTANY
Vegetable kingdom is dealt with in this scripture as follows: The basic classification is identical in both scriptures: subtle and gross; each of which is divided into under-developed and fully developed. However, Jain scriptures give utmost importance to the unique aspect of dividing the plants into two basic categories:3
1. Prajñāpanā Sūtra, Ch. 1, Sūtra 20
2. Uttaradhyayana Sūtra, Ch. 36, Verse 73-76
3. In the Modern Botany, the plants are basically of two types:
(a) Crytoganic-Plants which do not have such obvious organs of reproduction as flowers or seeds; applied to algae, bryophytes and pteridophytes as opposed to
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JAIN BIOLOGY