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which is different from molecules though constituting them, is called atom.' It is imperceptible.
Since atoms are real entities, five physical attributes (1 taste plus 1 colour plus 1 smell plus 2 touches) are always associated with them. The properties of hardness and softness, heaviness and lightness are not associated with atoms. As Kundakunda remarks : 'Of the eight kinds of touch, hardness and softness, heaviness and lightness are the qualities of molecules, not of the individual atoms.' In fact, the properties of hardness and softness, heaviness and lightness can be associated only with molecules. These properties are generated by the loose or compact aggregation of atoms, and because all the atoms have the same mass, there arises no question of light and heavy or hard and smooth amongst the elementary particles of matter. The difference of light and heavy or hard and smooth in mass is found only amongst molecules.
We have already mentioned that all atoms are not found in a free state. Some of them are in various forms of molecule and some are found as separate entities, i.e., in a free state. Now, how do the atoms living in the forms of molecule become liable to pass to a free state ? The atoms are produced only by division, not by the process of union or combination. Skandha:
Skandha (molecule) has been already defined as an aggregate of atoms. It possesses a gross form and undergoes processes of association and dissociation, as we have seen. The same idea is expressed more lucidly in the following manner :
Molecules are formed in three different ways.
1. Pañcāştīkāya-sāra, 88. 2. Tattvārtha-sūtra, V.27. 3. Ibid., V. 26.
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