Jaina Gazette 1927

SR No.: 034889
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: J L Jaini, Ajitprasad
Publisher: Jaina Gazettee Office
Publication Year: 1927
Total Pages: 568
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 47 MB

Page 77

42
THE JAINA GAZETTE
one another. Such is, however, not the case with Time. It has no doubt its miuute parts, the Kalanus or instants : but each of these Kalanus is strictly separate from the other ; the minute parts of Time are never mixed up with one another. This is the reason why the Jaina writers compare Time substance with a 'heap of jewels,' Time is not an Astikaya and in as much as each of its minute parts is strictly individual, it may be said to have only one Pradesa or rather, no Pradesa at all.
If the minute points of Time are indefinitely many in number, filling as they do. the whole of the Lokakasa, -it is clear that the Jaina view is opposed to other Indian theories according to which Time is one. The Jaina thinkers maintain that if Time were one, there would have been no distinction between past, present and fulure phenomena, +all phenomena would have been perceived simultaneously in one unvaried' now.' It is only when we regard the time-units as separate and many in number that we can correctly explain our perception of phenomena which are simultaneous' or of long duration' or 'of short duration. The phenomena which occur in one point of Time, are simultaneous.' The phenomena which occur in many points of Time are ‘of long duration and those which engage fewer points of Time are of short duration.' The objectors contend that Time is one and that its variety as past, present, future etc. are due to differences in Upādhi or limitations. It is said that Time is one and that because the phenomena occur in varied orders Time appears to us to be varied as present, past and future. The Jainas point out that the varied order of the phenomena indicates nothing but variation in Time-units. The Jainas hold that Time-units are indefinitely many in number and that they fill every minutest point in 'filled space' (Lokakasa). It is said that as Time which is existent in Lokakasa can account for changes in the Aloka, it may be one and yet effect changes in every part of the Lokakasa. The Jainas point out that the contention is not at all sound. Time can effect changes in the Aloka because the Aloka is a part of the Akasa which is but one whole. In Lokakasa, however, Pudgalas and Souls are infinitely many in number, their Pradesas occupying its