Jain Journal 1990 10

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

Page 23

JAIN JOURNAL
Table 1 Various Classifications of Skandhas or Molecules by Jainas
Classes
Names Gross and Fine Skandha, Skandhdeśa, Skandhapradesa Transformable by internal, external or mixed causes Gross-gross, Gross, Gross-fine, Fine-gross, Fine, Fine-fine 23 Varganās (detailed later) With respect to five qualities as primary and Secondary (detailed later)
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The second classification is based on matter in general where three out of four varieties should be skandhas. Accordingly, the canonical sizes should be less than one-fourth the size of a skandha 16 Here, one is unable to guess about the meaning of skandha whether it is diatomic or polyatomic. If it is diatomic, the skandhdeśa will be atomic and the third class will be sub-atomic. In other words, the canonical atom should be divisible which seems undesirable. This suggests the Jain's illustrative equations of these terms are not correct. Javeri, on the other hand, takes a real view of defining skandha with grosser bodies and the other terms being its conceptual divisions and skandha by themselves. 17 The skandhapradeśa, in this way will mean a single molecule of an element or compound consisting of number of atoms possessing the property of the skandha itself. The other classifications have already been described elsewhere. They seem to be more philosophical than scientific.
Methods of Formation of Molecules or Skandhas
The formation of molecules takes place by combination or aggregation of atoms according to the theory of Bonding proposed by the Jainas and discussed elsewhere.18 When small number of atoms combine, they form sense-imperceptible molecules. When many atoms or molecules combine, they form gross molecules. It is stated in literature that combination takes place by three methods.19
17
16 Vacak Syama, Arya, Prajnapana Sutra-l, AP Samiti, Beavar, 1983, p. 31.
Javeri, J. S., Atomic Theory of the Jainas, Jain Visva Bharati, Ladnun, 1975. 18 Jain, N. L., Chemical Theories of Jainas, Chymia, 11, 1, 1961, p. 11.
Jain, G. R., op. cit., p. 140.