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12 First Steps to Jainism
its oriental name i.e. the Parmanu compared to which an infinitesimal atom is what a mountain is to a mole hill. Modern scientists have already realised that atom itself consists of number of neutrons and protons which are also not indivisible. Parmanu, however, is the indivisible minutest particle of the matter and number of parmanus when combined form a Pudgal. While the qualities of soul are consciousness, knowledge, perfection, peace and bliss as also formlessness, the characteristics of matter are lifelessness (inanimateness) and form consisting of touch, shape, sound, taste, smell and color. Though the smallest particles, the pamanus, are very minute, they can combine with each other thus forming different combinations of huge proportions. Jainism recognises these six combinations of matter which vary from (1) fine-fine (parmanu pudgal itself), (2) Fine (Waves which cannot be perceived by senses) (3) fine gross (sound) (4) gross fine (visible things like sun shine) (5) gross (liquids) and (6) gross gross (solids).
Everything that is visible in the universe is one form or another of parmanus in any one of the six combinations mentioned. Though the parmanus may change form they are essentially permanent entities without any beginning or end. The number of pudgals in the universe is infinite but again the number can neither be added to nor reduced.
The association of matter with a soul is beginningless but once they are divorced it is a final separation. There can be no further association of matter with a liberated soul. However, the parmanus or matter should not be considered as the villains of the piece. It is the soul itself which attracts the pudgals which bind it. It is again for the soul to free itself from the bondage of pudgals by its activity, the parmanus cannot associate with the soul suo moto.
(iii) Time (Kaal)-The next substance constituting the univers is time, there
being no time in non-universe. The distinctive mark of time is its passage and by this quality time causes modification in other substances viz., soul, matter, etc. Time is nonmaterial and has no color, smell, touch or taste. Time is eternal but consists of units. The smallest unit being a 'samaya' which is the time taken by one pudgal to travel from one unit of space to the next unit of space. The next bigger unit is nimisha which is equal to innume
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