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INTRODUCTION / 21
A
of macro matter and thus, cannot be applied on each other. From Jainism point of view, Ashtasparshi pudgal (octons) is figurative while Chatursparshi pudgal (quadons) is mass-less and non-figurative. Mahapragya has compared quadons with energy and waves, thereby discussing Jain philosophy in relation to the science. Apart from this, he has invited the science to broaden its scope in order to include description of intangible and elusive massless substances as the part
of its research and experiments. 3) The main principles of science as used in Mahapragya literature are:
> Evolution > Heredity > Theory of Relativity > Quantum Theory
> Physiology and Psychology 4) The studies on genes are comparatively new. The construction code of
genes is yet to be cracked. According to Mahapragya, the characteristics of genes are similar to that of a Shukshma-Sharira (micro-body) and they have the capability of undergoing voluntary changes. Modern scientific experiments have proved that the genes are affected by the
external environment also. Therefore, the quest of spirituality will remain
: unfulfilled until the study of physical world is integrated with it. Positive Thinking
Mahapragya has maintained a positive thinking as far as the convergence of spiritualism and science is concerned. Accepting the achievements of science, he said that the subtle features of existence, which were theoretical so far, are now experimentally proven by the science. Therefore, if through it, the abstract truths of Jain philosophy are getting clearer, the progress of philosophy lies in keeping its doors open to welcome science. If this new dimension is not added now, the philosophy will loose its use and meaning completely. Empirical Facts
Mahapragya observes that Ancient language was once easy for all, but with the passage of time, it has not remained so. Through the methods of science, the ancient secrets can be explained with ease and clarity. In ancient literature, there is more of symbolic language hence clarity is less. Whatever we have understood through the medium of science could not be grasped on the basis of ancient literature alone. Another good feature of science is that it has given us some new apparatuses. One such apparatus is related to Aura. This apparatus can make the finest part of our personality perceivable. Philosophy has always concentrated on intangible and non-figurative. Science too has come closer to
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