Collected Research Papers in Prakrit and Jainology Vol 02

Author(s): Nalini Joshi
Publisher: University of Pune

Page 68

carnivores and eating both (iii) active is day-time, night-time and both (iv) the classes of animals like cat-class, dog-class, horse-class etc.
(3) Theory of Evolution : Charles Darwin, a biologist proposed a theory of evolution in the middle
19th century. He tried to establish the relation between an ape and a human being. "Whether there is a scope for the model of evolution in Jainaism?" is a separate point of debate. But on the whole, Jainas think that the 84,00,000 yonis or species of Jivas exist in the beginningless and endless world. They are divided into four realms of birth. If man is the topmost in the series of evolution, then manusya-gati is totally new creation, which is not acceptable in Jainaism.
Many scholars of Hinduism are very enthusiastic in depicting theory of evolution in the ten incarnations of Lord Vişnu. We have to admit that the development of universe reflected in Hindu mythologies is nearer to the theory of evolution than Jainaism.
(4) Model of adaption and camouflage : This is the corollary of the theory of evolution. It is intended that every creature tries to adapt oneself according to the environment. The changes in color, size, body-limbs etc. can be easily explained with this thought-model. Not specifically, but we can say broadly that on the basis of fourfold Nyāsas or Nīksepas (viz. dravya-kşetra-kāla-bhāva) and on the basis of the theory of Dravya-guna-paryāya we can derive the model of adaption in Jainaism.
(5) Social life of animals : Many modern naturalists are engaged in observing and documenting the social and family life of animals, birds and insects. The domination of male or female, the hierarchy of members, fighting with rivals, taking care of young ones, the co-operative activities of insects like honey-bees, ants, termites etc. are the main interests of modern naturalists.
Considering the new aspects presented by the naturalists, we can say that all the natural sciences are exerting to fathom the mysteries of nature and discovering the world of tiryanca with whole-hearted and endless efforts.
On this background, when we think over the world of tiryanca in Jainaism, the following
salient features draw our attention :
* In Vedic (Hindu), Jaina and Buddhist traditions tiryanca-gati is a separate realm of existence or birth. All of them have broadly given the etymology, classification, instincts, relation with human beings and spiritual ability of tiryanca.
• The class of tiryancas is the largest class among the creatures according to Jainaism. The classification of one-sensed up to five-sensed tiryancas is very subtle. The class of 'five-sensed tiryancas having mind' is very close to human beings.
* In the science of sacrifice (Yajñaśāstra) and Ayurveda (specially in Caraka-Samhitā) the utilitarian and human-centered outlook towards tiryañcas is explicitly seen.
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