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The Jaina world of Non-living
(iii) seven types of motions involving linear and non-linear ones (iv) tenfold causal contact motion (v) the maximum speed of atom to the extent of 10 cm per unit Samaya (compare 10* - 10 cm per second by scientists) (vi) high combining capacity with other atoms or aggregates. (vii) three types of activities- natural, efforted and mixed and (viii) three types of resistances to motion. The reader is refered to literature for details.
The atoms have four varieties in the first instance- (i) substantive (ii) locational (iii) temporal and (iv) modal. This may be a historical point. However, keener observations classify atoms on the basis of their natural properties of touch, taste, colour and smell. They postulate 5x5x8/2x2 = 200 varieties of atoms moving to infinite varieties depending upon intensities of these properties.
The single atom is always unbounded but it has bonding capacity due to its charged nature serving as glue for bonding. However, it cannot combine with the living in its minutest form. Bonding may be due to partial or total contact. This commentary refutes the TSV opinion that the atom is the ultimate cause only and that it cannot be an effect (subaphorism 5.25.5-6). The scientists define an atom as a homogeneous unit which takes part in chemical reactions, forms aggregates and not found generally free in nature.
The aggregates are defined as those which could be received, handled and placed due to grossness. They may contain atoms from a minimum of two to infinity. However, there are some having two or more atoms which are non-perceptible. These are six-foldly classified by Kundkunda. The karmic aggregates are quite bigger ones consisting of infinite-times-infinite ideal atoms. The aggregates are always in bonded forms. 7. It may be mentioned here that sometimes an aggregate is also designated by the term mattergy (Pudgala) in literature. However, its meaning should be taken with reference to context. 8. It has been pointed out that the atoms in aggregates are in a state of motion. However, they may be so or otherwise also in the largest aggregate.
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