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अनेकान्त 65/3, जुलाई-सितम्बर
60
two different parts of Akasbut represent respectively visible and invisible Akas. Co-existence of lok and Alok is absolute truth which outwardly appears to violet laws of physics according to which empty space or vacuum cannot coexist with matter because matter gets sucked in by the vacuum. Mahavir solved this puzzle by saying Alok is not empty or vacuum but contains Akas Dravya. Modern Cosmologists boast that existence of empty space is one of the most exciting discoveries of modern times.
Jain Agams10 also describe that Lok cannot become Alok and Alok cannot become lok. From the scientific point of view this is one of the most significant statements. This means lok with finite dimensions cannot become infinite Alok i.e. universe cannot expand to touch the boundaries of Akas or cosmic space. In modern science this is called Theorem of Expanding Universe according to which the universe is expanding continuously ever since it was born. But it cannot fill the cosmic space.
The post Agamic Jain Acharyas11.12 however interprets the above Agamstatement in a different way. They believe that Akas is divided into lok and alok by Dharm dravya. There is noDharm dravya in Alok and therefore lok cannot enter Alok. This view does not appear to be logical because Akas is infinite and it is not possible to divide an infinite arupi dravya by another arupi dravya like Dharm dravya. It is also not possible to know the exact position of Lok in the infinite Akas. Since there is no boundary between Lok and Alok, it is meaningless to talk of lok being forbidden from entering into Alok.
In our view the Agamic statement that 'Lokcannot become Aloka' and vice versa expresses infinite and finite dimensions of the two and also reflects upon the modern concept of Expanding Universe.
Dharm and Adharmare othertwo important dravyawhich find no mention in any religious and philosophical work. Mahavir knew that 'creation' would have not been possible without the existence of these two vital dravya. Jain Agams13describes Dharm as dynamic property and Adharm as static property of matter. These two dravyabring atoms and Atman close so that creation can take place But in post Agam-period, perception about Dharm and Adharmdravya changed respectively to medium of propagation and medium of rest14. 15. Accordingly Dharmdravyahelps in motion of living and nonliving drvyaand Adharmdravyahelps in bringing the moving objects to rest. Science also does not support this perception. It supports Agams views which states that Dharm dravya.is natural state of motion and Adharm dravya.is natural state of rest and not medium of motion or medium of rest as perceived by some Jain Acharyas.
The Jain concept of kaal or time is similar to modern scientific concept. Time 16, 17 is indicative of change and it is not Astikaya like all other dravya.
