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The Concept of Matter in Jaina Philosophy
atoms).1 Skandhas possess a gross and undergo the process of integration and disintegration.2 “Skandhas are the aggregates of ultimate atoms which in their gross state can be taken by the hand and handled.?" "If action is present in a few instances by synecdoche it can be extended to others in conventional acceptation. Hence the word 'skandha' is applicable also to molecules consisting of two or more atoms, which cannot be handed, etc.4 Though Matter is of infinite varieties, still it is classified into two groups on the basis of ultimate atoms and molecules."'š
Śrr Vinayavijayajyo maintains that a skandha is formed by infinite finest ultimate atoms from the noumenal points of view (Niscayanaya). Skandhas are characterized by sound, combination; fineness, grossness, shape, division, darkness, shadow, heat (sunshine, etc.) light (moonlight, etc.) as well as by touch, taste, smell and colour.' They are of two kinds, viz. bādara (gross—those that can be perceived by the senses)
1. Khamdho paramāņusango samghādo, PS. 79, p. 62,
(Rāyacandra Jaina Šāstramālāyāṁ) 2. Sthūlabhāvena grahaņaniksepaņādivyāpāraskandhanāt.
skandhā iti samjñāyante, etc., SS., p. 291. 3. Reality, p. 153. 4. Ibid. 5. Rudhau kriyā kvacitsati upalaksanatvenāśriyate iti
grahaņādivyāpārayogyesvapi dvyaṇukādişu skandhākhyā pravartate, anantabhedā’api pudgalā aṇujātyā skandhajātyā ca draividhyamāpadyamānāḥ sarve gļhyanta iti, SS., V.
25 (comm), p. 297. 6. Vyavahāranayenaiva paramāņurayam bhavet
Skandho anantāņuko jätasūksmatvo niscayātpunaḥ,
Lokaprakāśa; śl., 1. 23. 7. Skandhāḥ punaḥ śabdabandhasauksmyasthaulyasaṁsthāna
bhedatamaschāyātapodyotavantaśca sparsādimantaśceti SS., V. 25 (Comm), p. 297.
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