Jaina Philosophy of Language

Author(s): Sagarmal Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

Page 68

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: Jaina Philosophy of Language
The theory of molecular structure of the Word
Bhartṛhari, in his Vākyapadīya, has indicated about the theory of molecular structure of word but his commentators have not thrown any light on the subject as to who was the propounder of this theory? It is clear that the propounder of this theory were Jainas, because only Jainas regard words as physical construct or the modes of matter. It has been taken as granted by the Jainas that the language or word sound is generated through a special type of matter (pudgala). They regard word as one of the different modes of matter.
Naiyayikas have refuted this theory of Jainas. They argue that if the word is material, it must possesses the quality of touch. Their second objection is that if the word is material (paudgalika) then it must be obstructed by any obstruction. They again object that if the words were material, they would have their organs/parts but the words are bereft of organs/parts. Similarly, their fourth objection is that if the word is a material structure then it must be collided by other atoms and their aggregates but there is nothing like this, therefore, to accept word as a materiel structure or mode of matter is anomalous imagination.
Against the objections raised by Naiyāyikas, Jainas say that these objections are not applicable to our theory, because:
(1) The words, in spite of their quality of touch, can remain unmanifested and unexperienced by our sense of touch. Because they are so minute material constructs unable to be grasped by our sense-organ of touch. It is crystal clear that the sensation of words depends upon the condition and direction of air. In many situations, when the air is in favourable condition, we can hear the words from distant place also. While in unfavourable condition of air we fail to hear even the words at hand. It proves that the words possess the quality of touch similar to the air and other material objects.
(2) Against the second objection of Naiyāyikas, Jainas hold that firstly, the material words must be obstructed by any obstruction is not necessary. As the atoms of fragrance enters the room even if it is closed, in the same way words enter. Again it can be proved on the basis of modern scientific equipments that in the condition of impregnable obstruction or in complete vacuum listening or motion of words are