Jain Philosophy and Modern Science

Author(s): Nagrajmuni
Publisher: Anuvrat Samiti

Page 71

THEORY OF ATOM
551 filled up with paramanus'. When they naturally meet and join together, according to the above principles,. different aggregates 'skandhas' are formed
The motion and action of a 'paramanu': Although inanimate, a 'paramanu' is mobile. Its motion may be spontaneous or caused by outside forces. Its motion is not eternal le., it is sometimes in motion and sometimes at rest It is also active. Its actions. are spontaneous and of various lands According to the Bhagwati Sutra, it sometimes vibrates; sometimes it vibrates and also rotates and so on, up to the time when it changes its modes and attributes By the word 'so on' here we understand that besides simple and compound vibrations of various kinds, there are many other activities; but what these activities are is a matter of research Commentator Abhaya Deva Suri also has, in his commentary, suggested investera gation in this field. 23
Tue question now arises as to whether the motion of a 'paramanu' takes place by itself or is caused by a Jeeva (living being). The answer is. "No action or motion in a 'paramanu' is the possible effect of an action of Jeeva, because a 'paramanu' is incapable of being assimilated by a 'Jeeva' and without assimating it, 'Jeeva' is incapable of bringing about any change in the mode of a paramanu."
23
Bhagwati Sutra 3-3.