Jain Journal 1990 10

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 21

JAIN JOURNAL
(vi) They are characterised by the sound, bonding, division,
fineness, grossness, shape, darkness, shadow, sunshine, moonlight, motion and touch, taste, smell and color etc. 6
(vii) There are infinite number of molecules. They can be classified
in many ways.
(viii) They are produced by association, dissociation and a mixed
process. The sense perceptible ones are produced by the mixed process.?
(ix) Those molecules are supposed to be embodying all charac
teristics of the place of matter to which they belong.
(x) They are active and may be transformed or modified in various
ways.
The Buddhists have one word for matter—rüpa consisting of two varieties : primary elements or mahābhūtas and secondary elements or utpădarūpa. Both of them are called rūpa-skandhas consisting of atoms and molecules. However, the Buddhist's atoms, combined atoms, or primary elements are equivalent to skandhas of the Jainas as they are made up of 7-10 small constituents. Thus, for them, matter is nearly molecular. The utpadarūpas have been described to be fifteen, sixteen or twentyfour in number all molecular species. The Vaisesikas postulate atomic theory but they do not have a separate or common term for atomic aggregations. Those are called effects by them, their nomenclature depending on the number of atoms participating in aggregation like diatomic, triatomic etc.. The composite-constituent concept of inferential nature in this connection has been discussed by Prabhacandra.10
Current scientists have the term molecule for atomic combinations. However, the molecules are chemically bonded in contrast to many physically bonded atomic aggregates. The Jain term skandha includes, however, both types of bonding physical and chemical as well. The current examples may be mixture of inert gases in air, molecules of hydrogen or oxygen elements or water. The skandhas, thus, include all types
8 Chaudhuri, A., 'Concept of Matter in Early Buddhism' in KCS Fel. Vol., Rewa,
1980, p. 426.
Prasastapadacarya, Prasastapada Bhasya, Sanskrit Univ., Kashi, 1977, p. 78. 10 Prabhacandracarya, Prameyakamala Martanda, Nirnayasagar Press, Bombay,
1941, p. 605-19.