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The Concept of Matter in Jaina Philosophy
Atoms are infinite in number, but there is no fundamental difference among them like earth-atom, water-atom, etc. of other Indian systems of thought. An atom can assume any form according to the cause. There is no class-distinction among atoms of Jaina metaphysics. The capacities like colour, taste, smell and touch are equal in each and every atom and it can undergo transformation into any form according to the cause. Even though these capacities are equal in all of them, the varieties of their transformation take place due to the cause of the difference of materials. An aggregate (molecule) formed by a combination of atoms is not a new substance. It is only a particular form out of an aggregation of atoms. All atoms are permanent in their respective individual nature and they are changeable in nature as a result of their transformation in the forms of aggregate, quality and mode. All gross and fine material entities are explained on the basis of the capacity of transformation of infinite atoms and their combination and separation. Infinite atoms can exist in one point of space by their capacity of contraction (sam koca) or becoming finest. Being finest, they are infinite and smallest and all-pervading.
When an atom touches another one, the whole of it touches the whole of the latter; for there cannot be a conception of point in point. Atoms are always in a state of flux, because of their revolution, movement and combination with and dissociation from one another to transform themselves into molecules. A resistance to the motion of an atom is obtained by it (1) when it is resisted by another atom on its way of motion, (2) due to its property of dryness (repulsive force) and (3) at the last border of the universe because of the non-existence of Dharmāstikāya (Principle of motion) in the Non-Universe (Aloka).
The ninth chapter makes a treatment of the topic "Transformation of Matter by a comparative study of this problem with the views of other Indian systems of thought and the physical sciences on it. Matter undergoes transformation in respect of its qualities and modes. An atom having equal quality transforms another atom having equal but dissimilar quality because
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