________________
132 / JAIN STUDIES AND SCIENCE
classifications into the minimal, medium and maximal have been done while applying the mathematics of the numerate, the innumerate and the infinite. First of all, we shall understand the finest parts of the six substances from the following table, before going in for detailed mathematical discussion, as they form the basis of development of mathematics -
Jain laureates have presented the quantitative analysis of six forms of substances (dravya) using certain basic indivisible units as tabulated below -
Substance
Unit
S.No. 1. 2.
Pudgal (Particle/Matter)
Parmanu (Atom)
Kaal (Time)
Samay
3.
Dharma, Adharma, Aakash, Jiva
Pradesh
1. Parmanu
It is the smallest unit used to describe the matter or substance. In this entire universe (Lok), pudgals are classified in only two types -
• Microphysical or massless (Sukshma)
• Macro or massive (Sthula)
These two pudgals manifest distinct physical properties as below -
Micro (Sukshma)
Macro (Sthula)
Massless
With Mass
Motion Unhindered by the presence of matter
Motion obstructed by the presence of other macro particles
Speed beyond that of light is achievable
Speed limited to that of light
Describing the properties of waves and particles, famous scientist, Heisenberg had stated that these two did not follow same set of physical laws. This commonality between the science and Jain Agamas is amazing as the two are separated more than two thousand years on the time scale.
Micro and macro pudgals are convertible into each other but once converted, their properties change to such an extent that the physical laws applicable to micro state are no longer valid in the macro state and vice-versa. Jains, therefore, insist that the micro pudgals (also known as Nishchav Parmanu)
Jain Education International
For Personal & Private Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
