Jaganmohanlal Pandita Sadhuwad Granth

Author(s): Sudarshanlal Jain
Publisher: Jaganmohanlal Shastri Sadhuwad Samiti Jabalpur

Page 392

Jain Theory of Skandhas or Molecules २४३ All our tendencies towards better thoughts and actions are governed by the quality of karma molecules getting in and out of bodies. We require better type of molecules for better lives.
The above functions are related with our lives directly. However, the most impor tant aspect of skandhas is their capacity to maintain, modify and form newer and changed objects of different types of molecules. This capacity is the base for development of modern amenities. The purification of water by alum, production of butter from milk, purification of metals by borax and alkalis-are examples of utilitarian changes of chemical The capacity of skandhas has been studied by the scientista extensively and as a result, we have a world full of entertaining materials. Could we say these materials will not lead to our spiritual development ?
Bhagwati and Umaswami mention the six embodiments (earth to trasa kaya), five bodies, speech, mind and respirations as the effects of Skandhas. They also mention 14-16 manifestatins of skandhas with some variations with Uttaradhyayan, 1634 and Umaswami, 1425, These consist of some physical energies and some properties in which changes are observable. They are discussed under the physical contents.
Properties of Skandhas
All fine and gross skandhas have all the general and special properties of matter. There are eight general and six specific properties. The have already been described, Besides, it may be mentioned that each molecule has cohesive or adhesive force inherent in it so that it could combine with its own or different type. There is a variety of action, or motion including rotation, vibration and translation. Translatory motion has highest force for chemical bonding. There are some technical terms used in this connection like Parispand and Parivarta etc. which have been explained by Sikdar,26
Description of Specific Skandhas
The finite variety of Skandhas can be seen to exist in four specific forms-earth, water, air and fire. Kundkund mentions them as dhatus. The four mahabhutas of the Buddhas and four types of basic atoms of Vaisheshikas remind us some conceptual similarity. It may be suggested that they represent the various states of matter rather than the specific skandhas. Thus, the earth represents the solids, water the liquids, air the gases and fire the various forms of energies. This statement is supported by the fact that the seers have enumerated a variety of earth ranging between 21-40. However, this becomes a little
24. Sadhwi Chandanaji (ed & tr.); Uttaradhyayan, Sanmati Gyanpith, Agra, 19/6, p. 380 25. See ref. 13, p. 122 and 130
26.
Muni Nathmal; Dashvaikalika: Ek Samikshatmak Adhyayan, S. T. Mahasabha, Calcutta, 1967, p. 113