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D. In all living organisms, there is a struggle for existence. Each strives hard for life and avoids extinction.
J. Four samjñās (instincts) exist in every jīva. They are enumerated as food, fear, sex and
possession. The instinct of fear (bhaya) can be interpreted as the struggle for existence. Ācārānga says very categorically that -
“सव्वे पाणा पियाउया, सुहसाया, दुक्खपडिकूला, अप्पियवहा पियजीविणो जीविउकामा । सव्वेसिं जीवियं पियं ।"16
(iv)
D. All species of vegetation, insects and animals adapt changes according to the environment which are necessary for survival. These changes are carried forward to their future generations through genetic properties.
J. Since * jīva' is a 'dravya' it naturally possesses certain qualities' and 'modes'. Each soul is necessarily distinct. 'Possessing a favorable body' is a mode according to Jainaism. Mainly, bodily features are determined by nāmakarman. Other genetic qualities are determined by gotrakarman. When a jiva takes birth in a particular species, it adapts the forms which are suitable. It means, if the species adapt changes during the long span, they can be treated as modes (paryāyas). Thus though Jainaism accepts the concept of rebirth, it is not contradictory to the theory of evolution.
(v)
D. Those species which are strong enough to struggle, will survive and other will get extinct in this conflict for existence. 'Survival of the fittest' is the law of nature.
J. If the often-quoted fixed number of 84 lakh yonist is accepted then it will create difficulty because in the theory of evolution, some species are newly created while some species extinguish in the course of nature. All the major Indian traditions viz. Hindu, Bauddha and Jaina agree unanimously about the number of yonis i.e. 84 lakhs. In the oldest Ardhamāgadhi and Sauraseni texts, the number is not found. According to my opinion, we should take it as merely arthavāda and a later addition in the course of doctrinal development. If the number is not taken literally, then there is no difficulty in accepting the norm, viz. 'survival of the fittest.'
(vi)
D. While leading further the arguments about the theory of evolution, the renowned biologist Lamarck said that, 'the resolve and efforts of a bio-specie play an important role in the progressive evolution of that specie.'
J. Each soul possesses 'ananta-catustaya.19 Each soul has the intrinsic power to go upwards (i.e. ūrdhvagāmitā).20 So if there is mental resolve, each bio-specie can strive for
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