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Properties of Atom
non-creative motion. The creative motion produces conjunction of ultimate atoms, which leads to the formation of gross bodies and eventually of the material universe. This motion is generated in ultimate atoms only on the eve of a new cosmic creation after the period of cosmic rest (pralaya). The non-creative motion is not productive of conjunction or disjunction of ultimate atoms. It simply separates ultimate atoms from the spacepoints occupied by them and join (i. e. combine) them with the contiguous point of space. It may occasionally cause a kind of placing of atoms side by side or loose grouping of atoms, but it never conjoins them to be actually integrated nor to be composite bodies. 2
No impact upon the process of creation is made by this motion; it is possible for atoms only during the period of cosmic rest. It is supplanted by the creative motion of the emergence of the necessity for creation. The only object of non-creative motion is to determine the duration of cosmic rest in terms of kṣaṇa resolved by each unit of such motion.3
There is no spontaneous motion of free atoms in these two cases, for Adṛsta (unseen force) is supposed to be the cause of creative motion. It leads the destiny of souls in accordance with their karmas and demands to be furnished with properly equipped bodies and suitable material world for the experience of pleasure and pain. Under the operation of this force atoms begin to move in order to combine into countless varieties of objects. The non-creative motion is produced in this way, when a body is dissolved by a violent shaking or impact, the effect of which sets the atoms of the dissolved body in motion. The motion generates in atoms in turn the property of impulse (vega) which keep them going, i. e. vibrating (spandana) continually during the whole period of cosmic rest. 4
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1. Studies in Nyaya-Vaiseṣika Metaphysics, p. 146.
2. Ibid., p. 147; see NKuB.,
p. 91. 3. Ibid., see NKu, Pt. 1, p. 333.
4. NKuB., p. 91, vide Studies in Nyaya-Vaisesika Metaphysics, p. 147.
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