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parmanu, as described in Jain scriptures is actually a unique skandh comprising infinite parmanu. It is quite possible that other skandh which have finite, multiple parmanu may form intermediate particles like quarks, electrons etc.” This aspect opens new possibilities for science to ponder upon.
9. Tenam Kalenam Samayenam (that time and that moment)
In the Jain scripture, Bhagwati, while describing any incident or place, time and moment have been mentioned like this: ‘at that time and that moment.'
Normally time and moment are regarded as/said to be synonymous. It has always been a matter of curiosity as to why these two different words have been used. It appears that the word 'time' inclines towards an era and 'moment' indicates a definite period of time.
According to a commentator on the scripture, kaal (time) indicates the fourth section (fourth Aara) of AVASARPINI (the regressive half-cycle) and samaya (moment) indicates the period when Lord Mahavira gave a sermon.
Along with time and moment, direction and place too are mentioned:
i. At that time and moment there was a town called Raaigrahi.
ii. At that time and moment there was a town called Tungiya.
A question thus arises, whether the stating of place and time before any description was a matter of some writing convention or a requirement based on a certain principle? Mahapragya has compared it to the notion of space-time in the present-day science. He states that according to Einstein's theory of relativity it is not possible to understand any event independent of space and time. German philosopher Immanuel Kant also has laid a great deal of stress on space and time. Acharya Siddhsen too has considered time and region essential for the proper understanding of meaning/significance of an event.
9.1. Concept of Kaal (Time)
In the scientific world, time is a linear concept. It always moves forward like an arrow. In this linear scenario, the line has a beginning and it has a finite length up to the present moment. The future is empty. The other concept of time is cyclic. According to this concept, time moves forward as well as backward. For instance, rebirth after death is a backward movement of time. The principle of rebirth is based on the principle of cyclic movement of time. In the Jain concept of time, the wheel of time has been accepted in the form of
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