________________
The Jaina world of Non-living
reactions. The valency concept seems to be more basic than the processes indicated by this aphorism.
7.
There is no mention of the methods by which decomposition or decombination takes place. But G. R. Jain points out four modern methods:
(i) ionic dissociation in solution (sodium chloride sodium* + chlorine), (ii) thermal dissociation
(iii) pressure dissociation
(iv) particle bombardment. Radioactive dissociation may also be added to this list.
8. Vidyananda has refuted the concept of non-formation of atoms (as they are taken as eternal) and aggregates (as they are manifested only like the stars under moon). He mentions that both of them can be produced as they are modes of mattergy. The atoms are causes as well as effects. Similar is the case with aggregates.
9. The formation of aggregates, as above, has been referred to with respect to apparent atoms, it appears. However, the formation processes may also be applicable in case of fundamental particles of today and ideal atoms of scriptures.
10.
The Svetamabara version of this aphorism indicates the order of the processes in reverse order. It mentions union first and division next. This seems to move from gross to fine processing. However, there is no difference in the overall meaning of the aphorism 5.26.
The aphorism 5.26 indicates the possibility of producing atoms and aggregates by all the three processes. The next aphorism intends to refute this specially in the case of atoms:
Bheda-daṇuh 5.27
The ultimate or apparent atoms are produced by dissociation or division only 5.27.
dissociation
Aggregate
atoms.
1.
The earlier aphorism implies that in contrast with aggregates, atoms are produced by dissociation. Despite this fact, this aphorism 5.27 is meant to indicate that atoms are produced by dissociation only. It does
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
243
www.jainelibrary.org
