________________
The Concept of Matter in Jaina Philosophy
paramāņu1 (atom of material substance). This conception shows the atomic growth of Matter as found in the physical sciences. Paramāņu is a substance from the point of view or dravya (substance), for it possesses both guna (quality) and paryāya; it is existent in the universe (loka) and non-existent in the non-universe (aloka) and it cannot go theres from the standpoint of kṣetra (locus or field). Besides, it exists individually in one space-point as a discrete unit of Matter, it occupies one point of space, but it cannot occupy two or more spacepoints; it can exist together with other paramāņus in one spacepoint by its capacity of samkoca (capacity of becoming fine or of contraction). It is traikālika (existing in three points of time-past, present and future) from the aspect of kāla (time)5; it is endowed with the properties-colour, taste, smell and touch from the point of view of bhāva (condition), as these four qualities are called bhāvas (attributes or capacities) of paramāņu.7
138
With regard to permanency and constancy the quantity of paramāņu will remain the same as it is for ever without loss of destruction, increase or decrease in number. No new paramāņu will be self-generated nor will be produced by anybody. In the past no new paramāņu was produced, no new one is produced at present and no new one will be produced in future. Paramāņu Pudgala abserves the principle of 'utpāda vyayadhrauvyayuktaṁ sat (existence is characterized by
1. Bhagavati Vyākhyāprajñapti, 20. 6. 670. 2. Ibid., 14. 4. 512; 18. 6. 631.
3. Ibid., 2. 10. 121.
4. Paramāņukhandaṣattriṁśikā, Ratnasimha Sūri, p. 2; Savārthasiddhi, see the Commentary on ch. V., sūtra 14.
5. Bhagavati Vyakhyāprajñapti, 14. 4. 510.
6. Ibid., 18. 6. 631; 120. 5. 668.
7. Ibid., 20. 5. 670. 8. Ibid., 2. 10. 119; 14. 4. 510. 9. Ibid., 2. 10. 118; Tattvarthādhigama Sutra, prathama vidhāga, ch. V, sūtra 3; see its auto-auto-commentary, p 322
Jain.Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
