________________
138 JAIN STUDIES AND SCIENCE
ii.
iii.
makes the basic building block of the macro domain. The analogy between the octons of Jain philosophy and the quanta of modern science is quite remarkable. Modern science has developed its quantum mechanics on the basic principle that the energy is transacted in the forms of packets called quanta.
Like matter, practical unit of kaal is Avalika which is said to be constituted by the elapse of innumerate samay (the smallest unit of time in micro domain). Here again, any finite accumulation of samay cannot result in Avalika. These findings caution us that any evaluation of event is possible only after ascertaining the domain of the event micro or macro. Until then, the results could be erroneous. A massive factor of innumerate (near infinity) is responsible for this stark difference.
Similar explanations are forwarded for the defining the space units. Matter and soul travel in definite pathways in the space. Seven such pathways are mentioned in the Bhagwati Sutra
Track
Shape
Straight Line (Rizu-Ayat)
Right Angle (Ektovakra)
Double Right Angle (Dvitovakra)
Single Split (Ektokhaha)
Double Split (Dvitakhaha)
Circular (Chakrawala)
Jain Education International
о
Semi-circular (Ardhachakrawala)
Entire universe (lok), including the irregular discontinuities at the boundaries can be traversed by the combination of these tracks. This, however, must be kept in mind that the space changes its characteristics with the speed of travel. We can only employ space co-ordinates to assign the direction and trajectory of motion of matter particles (like dions. quadons and octons) and souls.
C
Highlight of these discussions about the ancient Jain literature is that the six fundamental entities (mattereals) are to be described separately in the micro and macro domains.
For Personal & Private Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
