Jain Journal 1990 10

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

Page 24

OCTOBER, 1990
63
(i) By division or dissociation of molecules of bigger size to smaller
ones.
(ii) By association or sharing of atoms together.
(iii) By a mixed process of association and dissociation.
The dissociation may take place by internal or external causes as in radioactivity or process of ionization. We also know today that it may also take place thermally, by application of pressure or bombardment. It is said that these methods are akin to the three types of valency or bonding of current science subject to certain modified version of traditional opinions.
Umasvami and Pujyapada 20 have pointed out that sense-perceptible molecules are formed by the mixed method of association and dissociation. The latter has illustrated this point by saying that a fine molecule may be split and its parts may combine with other bigger molecules to form a gross molecule. However, Shastrial has raised a point whether Umasvami's aphorism should mean a mixed process or two individual processes. Grammatically, the dual number in the aphorism should mean two processes rather than a single one, otherwise, there should be singular number in the aphorism. There must be some specific aim in this composition the commentators have not elaborated. However, it is quite common to have visible molecules by combination of atoms or fine skandhas. Shastri seems to be right to seek how division as a single process can yield gross molecules. There are, however, a number of examples today to prove this. Sulphur Dioxide or Carbon Dioxide are canonically invisible gases and they, on thermal or electrical decomposition, give solid visible sulphur or carbon skandhas. Jain22 has exemplified these processes by formation of hydrochloric acid and ionisation of air representing combination and division respectively. Hence visible skandhas are formed bothways and the corresponding aphorism should mean two individual processes. However, examples of molecular formation by combination of the two processes are also available. Thus, aphorism concerned seems to be superfluous in view of aphorism bheda-samghātebhyah utpădyante'. This point requires closer examination.
20 a1
Jain, G. R., op. cit., p. 146. Shastri, JML., 'Jain Sastron-me Vaijnanik Sanket, Pt. Jaganmohanlal Shastri Sadhubad Granth, p. 228. Jain, G.R., op. cit., p. 146.
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