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3. With regard to formation of the universe in general and solar system
in particular many concepts/theories have been developed over the time but none of them is found successful so far. Present astrophysical knowledge is not sufficient for true understanding of the universe or to get quantitative reply for its age, structure, area and volume. We have discovered many stars, planets, satellites in our solar system and different galaxies, and more recently black holes, pulsars, quasars, which in fact have already been well defined and described in Jainism. Jaina model of the universe is perhaps one of the richest in the world in its scientific and quantitative understanding. However, scientists need a fresh look without any biasing on this model and organise brain-storming sessions. According to Jainism the whole universe is fully packed with 23 physical karma vargana (class/variety) and 5 extremly minute (not visible with currently available most high-tech microscopes) static/immobile living organism, perhaps Ekendriya - virus. This concept is most striking one in preview to search life in the solar system or in the universe. More interestingly, we all and every living organism remain in continuous interaction with these species. This concept needs immediate attraction of modern
space biologists, astrophysicists and genetic scientists. 5. Many other facts like the speed of light measured and presented by
modern science is about 0.3 million Km. per second, which has been criticized by Jainism. In Jaina model it is different in different parts of space/universe. This fact is not understood because science has not yet discovered the smallest atom that cannot be further divided, which however has been well demonstrated in Jainism. The science has not yet opened the discussion on the preliminary definitions described in Jainism, which consider earth, water and air itself as living organisms.
I strongly believe that united humble efforts are required to explore potentiality in Jainism and how it may contribute to science significantly.
* Senior Scientist - Physical Research Laboratory
Navrangpura, Ahmedabad - 380-009 INDIA
Received - 01.02.03
100
Arhat Vacana, 15(3), 2003
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