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of an unified mathematical model to explain biophysical phenomena.
Survey of Jain Mathematical Karmic Theory
All knowledge can be divided into two main streams: the science of letters (Aksaravidya) and the science of numbers (Amikavidya). Previous one includes subjects like grammer, literature, logic etc. while the later one includes mathematics, astronomy, science, economics, commerce etc. But as we know and also has been confirmed by the great Jain Mathematics scholar Mahaviracarya (850 A.D.) that mathematics in general is employed as a tool in all disciplines of knowledge for deriving the coclusion and making it more workable in a precise manner. Looking to the importance of mathematics, Jain literature was divided into four main classes -
1. Prathamanuyoga (includes stories, descriptive books, biographies etc.). 2. Karnanuyoga (includes literature on astronomy, mathematics
the science
of measurement and calculation etc.).
3. Carmanuyoga (includes the rules followed by saints, sages and sravakas
etc.).
4. Dravyanuyoga (includes the description of fluents like bios, matter etc.).
The development is indicated in the following periods of predominance in the Jain school -
(a) The period of canonical principle from about 600 B.C. the period of Vardhamana Mahavira to the 5th century A.D.
(b) The period of establishment of polyendism (Anekāntavāda) and relativism (Syadavada) from the 3rd century A.D. to 8th century A.D.
(c) The period of establishment of systematic measures (Pramana) from the 8th century A.D. to the 17th century A.D.
(d) The new Nyaya period from the 18th century to up-to-date.
The table on next page gives the concept of Karma theory in Jain school depicted in more than five lacs of verses.
Demonstration of Karma Paramanu
According to Jain school reality is that which is capable of eternal existence through succession of creation and cessation. Fluent is the ultimate reality and possesses properties (guna) and mutation (paryaya). The fluent can be classified into six parts such as bios, matter, time, dharma, adharma and space. The ultimate building block of matter is called paramāņu.
A living organism is based on bios and matter. The interacton between bios and matter is called bond. The bounded matter is called karmic matter and the paramanu is called karma paramānu.The bonds between bios and matter are of four types.
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Jain Education International
Arhat Vacana, 14(2-3), 2002
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