Defiition of Living in Jain Cannons An Evaluation

Author(s): N L Jain
Publisher: Z_Umravkunvarji_Diksha_Swarna_Jayanti_Smruti_Granth_012035.pdf

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Definition of the Living in Jaina Cannons: An Evaluation / 365
only five sensed mammals have mind and they are the only instinctive. Other living ones with upto four senses donot possess these instincts. This does not seem to be correct in these days and even Pannavana 64 declared all the ten instincts present in all the living ones though they might be dormant in lower life. Commentator Ratnakara 5 has referred to these instincts in a different way. He has classified them in three types-longlived, logistics and polyviewing. All these seem to refer to the living with developed mind with five senses. However, he refers the first type for the living ones with uterine birth, second type for the living with 2-4 sensed and the third type for the living ones with right faith. This statement needs critical examination.
The characteristics of instincts is merely an extension of the basic quality of sensitivity or consciousness showing its various modes expressions. It could not be taken as any additional property of the living. The defining of the living by Paryapti and pranas has, however, a material approach to the living in contrast.
Current Scientific Concepts about the Living Reality
The scientists of today have come to the conclusion that the first life on earth was originated accidentally and spontaneously from complex combination of inorganic matter. Later on, it has been the rule that the living produces the living of its own species. They have characterised the living reality with the help of its structural and functional aspects on the basis of cell theory initiated in early nineteenth century. These characteristics are based on physical or mechanical concepts rather than the vitalist one. They are given in Table-5 below. The scientific concept has no place for non-materiality, indestructiblity of the living element. There may, however, be genetic continuity through transformablity. As earlier, the irritablity is akin to consciousness.
The scientific livingness consists of cells of the size invisible to the eye. (10-4-10-6 cm.) but visible under fine microscopes. The cells have a very complex structure made up of few common elements. This complexity may be guessed when one finds that one of the lowest living tobbaco mosaic virus has 2000 column shaped molecules each consisting of 158 amino acids of 16 varieties, its core consisting of 6502 nucleotide molecules making for its genetic speciality.66 It has been estimated that a normal human body consists of about 101 cells performing various functions. These cells have an average energy of 0.06 V. They form tissues, tissues form nerves and various organs and these form the complex organism. 67 The scientists have not only identified the compounds in the living units, but they have been able to prepare them in the laboratory also. That is why they are now in position to not only create life in laboratories, but they can produce Gandhis,
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