Kundakunda Acharya and Jain Philosophy

SR No.: 007643
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jayantilal Jain
Publisher: Research Foundation for Jainology Chennai
Publication Year: 1997
Total Pages: 66
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 3 MB

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attachment) proceeds more or less in the same systematic manner as material Sciences in seeking the truth.
All the six matters contribute to our overall existence. Take an example of a human being. Our body consists of atoms (karma particles). It occupies space depending upon the size of the body - the taller occupying more space compared to the shorter and bulky people occupying more space compared to slim. The soul occupies same space as that of the body and exist concurrently with the body. In each soul and atom, time is embodied. That is as our thought or body changes – as it grows from a childhood to older age-time facilitates better understanding of changes. The soul and body are able to move due to the medium of motion and able to take rest or stay in a stationary state through the medium of rest.
The above is only one example of human body. In the same way, the entire Universe with its infinite number of objects continues to function for every without any matter disturbing or interfering in the functioning of the other matters. Each matter is working independently in its own way. Any belief contrary to this is a misconception. These six matters exist in a subtle manner in a given space such that one matter does not even meet or touch other matters; what to talk about any interference? A matter is defined in terms of its properties or qualities. As properties change, there is a change in the form of the matter. However, the basic matter remains the same. The matter, its properties and its forms together determine the true nature of an object.
Soul being a matter, takes different forms (depending on the extent and type of operation of its properties, such as, human beings, animals, insects, etc. Further, matters change every moment. Human body decays and soul also changes every moment, taking several forms, except that some forms are easily understandable while others are subtle but the basic soul remains as it is. Thus, soul, its properties and its forms - together constitute the reality about self and these characteristics, have to be clearly observed and understood in order to move towards self-realisation and avoid misconceptions.
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