Jain Philosophy and Modern Science

Author(s): Nagrajmuni
Publisher: Anuvrat Samiti

Page 73

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TACORY OF ATOM "Ranju is the distance which a Deva flies in SIX months at the rate of 20,57,152 YOJANS in one "KSHANA' 1.e. (instant of time).
Other Principles regarding Motion There are certain other rules also governing the motions of a 'paramanu'. If undisturbed and left to itself the motion of a 'paramanu' is in a straight Ime, A change in the straightline motion occurs only if it is reacted upon by some other matter. A 'Jeeva' can never be a direct cause in the change of motion of a 'paramanu' because it is infinitesimally minute. A *Jeeva' can influence directly big or small aggregates only. Just as the maximum velocity of paramanu has been described in Jain scriptures so also is its minimum velocity A paramanu moving with its minimum velocity can in a single time-point move from one space-point (pradesh) to an adjoining one A space-point is as infinitesimal as a 'paramanu. As said before, a paramanu may nove spontaneously or when activated by other matter 26 There is an indeterminacy as to when an inert paramanu at rest, will activate. But after the lapse of a countless number of time-points, it must activate Similarly there is also an element of caprice as to when an active or mobile paramanu will come to rest or become inert. It can do so in one time-point up to a small fraction of an avlika27 (a small measure of time, less
26 Of Helsmberg's "Principle of Uncertainty" 27 One Avilka 48/16777216 minute