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78
ĀLAMBANAPARĪKSĀ
speaking, become causes for different forms of cognitions.
[The opponent asks:] How do you know that there exists no distinction in form among the atoms?
[The author replies :)
“Because the atoms are absolutely identical in their dimension ".
All objects are constituted of parts and these parts necessarily admit of distinction of forms. The proper nature of atoms, however, is devoid of any part and very subtle. Therefore how can we assign to it any distinction of form ?
“Though the pot, cup, etc., are (apparently) varied objects, there exists absolutely no distinction in their atomic nature."
For, anything destitute of parts, neither increases nor decreases.
[35] “We therefore understand that there is no reality"
in the aggregates of atoms.
Everything composed of parts, has a form which is attributed to it, and not real of its own; and as such it does not fall within the domain of senses. Thus the opinion has been above criticised after a careful study that the aggregates of atoms tend to show their different real forms. Therefore [different] cognitions of pot, cup, etc., are, in fact, destitute of real objects different [in form] just as the feelings of happiness and misery are. Thus [it is clear that] atoms do not distinguish objects.
