ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 02

Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies

Page 20

SCHOOL
Gross:
OF
The entire universe and its contents are perceptible due to matter only as it is the only concrete substance. Its basic or distinguishing characteristics are to associate with or dissociate (fusion and fission) from other matter (of same type or different) or to be attracted to jīva and be of use to it. The word pudgala, a definitive term of Jain philosophy is a union of pud (to complete or combine) + gala (to separate) i.e. fusion and fission. Thus matter particles can combine to form lumps/aggregate (skamdha) or the lumps can break to form smaller lumps and continue the process to reach the last stage i.e. Paramāņu which is the smallest part which cannot be further subdivided. Some characteristics of matter are:
SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY
स्वाध्याय
Matter in its primitive form is of just one type i.e. sub-atom or paramāņu. It is the basis of all matter and energy. Both energy and matter can be interchanged. Light, Heat and other forms of energy are thus matter. Light is an aggregate of matter. Its speed is said to be 186000 miles per second by Einstein. Paramāņu, as per Jains can travel at the highest speed of 14 rajjus per time instant called samaya. Acārya Amṛtacandra in Tattvaratha-sāra says that the paramāņu has a natural tendency to move downwards versus of jīva to move upwards.
IN STUDIES
Matter is of two types namely aggregate or lump (skamdha) and paramāņu. Lump is a collection of paramāņus and is perceptible. Lump /aggregate is further classified as of six types namely fine-fine, fine, fine-coarse, coarse-fine, coarse, coarse-coarse. Paramāņu even though with perceptible qualities cannot be perceived by senses and is classified as absolute (non divisible) and real like atom to give molecules. Skamdha is further classified in six categories as follows:
Subtle:
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Gross-gross: Lump, which can be broken in parts and the parts, cannot be lumped together again e.g. wood, stone.
Subtle-subtle: Even smaller e.g. lumps of two or three paramāņus.
STUDY NOTES version 5.0
Lumps, which cannot be broken in parts but divided and can be mixed together again e.g. milk, water etc.
Gross-subtle: Those which can be seen but cannot be touched or held e.g. shade, light
etc.
Subtle-gross: Those which cannot be seen but cognized by some other sense organs e.g. words, sound, heat, odour etc.
Cannot be cognized by any sense organ directly like karma particles.
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