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The Jaina world of Non-living
non-ultimate too with respect to spacepoints. It could be the finest because of its fine modifications. However, it could be non-fine too with respect to qualitative difference despite non-difference with respect to space points. It could be the finest because of its fine modifications. However, it could be non-fine too with respect to its capacity to cause non-fine effects. Substantively, it is permanent. However, it is nonpermanent because it undergoes aggregatal modifications. It is also nonpermanent as it undergoes qualitative modifications. It has five qualities as in 5.25.13-14 with respect to its non-spacepointedness. However, it has multiplicity of qualities with respect to its capacity to undergo modifications of multi-atomic aggregations. It is a cause as it is inferred through its effects. However, it may not be a cause as it is a subject of direct knowledge through its modes. All these properties are summarised in the verse (of unquoted source) : 'The ultimate atom is the ultimate cause. It is finest and permanent. It has one taste, smell and colour. It has two non-contradictory touches. It is recognised through its effects." 17. Q. What are the aggregates ? A. The aggregates are those entities in which the ultimate atoms are found in a bonded condition. There are three types of aggregates- (I) Whole aggregates (ii) part aggregates and (iii) sub-part aggregates. The whole aggregates are specifically bonded forms of infinite-times-infinite ultimate atoms. The part aggregates are half the size of whole aggregates. The sub-part-aggregates are half the size of part aggregates or one-fourth the size of whole aggregates.
The earth, water, fire and air etc. are forms of the aggregates. The touch, taste etc. and sound etc. are the modes of the aggregates. The objects of touch etc. and sound etc. (aphorisms 5.23-24) like pitcher, fabric etc. are called the earth. The water is also an aggregatal mattergy as it is its modification. The smell is also directly perceptible there. Q. The water has no smell by itself. The smell felt in it is due to the earthy substances combined or dissolved in it. Their smell is taken as water itself has the property of smell. A. This is desirable. We do not observe any time when water may be smell-less or it may be without earthy combinations. Moreover, the
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