Ahimsa the Science of Peace

Author(s): Surendra Bothra
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 59

a school of thought that specializes in minute details, accuracy and logic.
It is surprising that people belonging to the school of thought that was probably first to conceive that sub-atomic particles of matter are in state of constant motion, would put forward such illogical views when dealing with living organism.
It is even more difficult to accept that a man of Mahavir's insight and in-depth knowledge would put forth theories based on such flimsy grounds. Who would believe that a person who could perceive the existence of micro-organisms and micro-particles, would not know that everything including plants, earth, air, water etc. are always moving in some way or the other. One component of every motion is the result of the numerous unseen physical and cosmic forces ever active on our planet.
Modern man, equipped with ever growing scientific information, ridicules such traditional interpretations. The irony is that with the rejection of decaying tradition the valuable, correct and profound knowledge is also rejected.
If we start at the beginning and try an open minded and analytical approach, it becomes evident that the basic concept is correct and scientific. The word Sthavar certainly means immobile or fixed at a place. But it also means stable, constant, invariable, dormant etc. As the classification given by Mahavir is based on level of development of faculties, the division of Sthavar and Tras should also come from those premises. The life forms at the initial level are Sthavar and those at the gradual higher levels of development are Tras.
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AHIMSA: THE SCIENCE OF PEACE Jain Education International