Jainism a Glimpse

Author(s): Punyadarshanvijay
Publisher: Sanmarg Prakashan

Page 59

PUDGALA-MATTER
The second Dravya - Basic substance of Cosmos
Out of the six, only the Pudgala has Form (other 5 are Formless) with infinite qualities like colour, smell, touch. taste and shape. The other qualities are Śabda (Sound), Amdhakāra (darkness), Prabhā (light and radiance), Chāyā (shadow), Pratibimba, (reflection) etc.
The infinitesimal small part called 'Pradēśa', when separated from Pudgala is called 'Paramānu'. So Paramānu means the indivisible-subtle particles of matter. The combinations of Pradēša are 'Skandha' (the aggregate) and their sub-parts are called 'Dēśa' - (sub aggregate). Infinite number of them occupy less than a pin-point.
They are in groups, divisions, classes, etc. and are all pervading in the entire Cosmos. The indivisible particles can not be created nor can be destroyed. The attributes of getting together and separation, attraction and repulsion among each other results in continuous modifications (Paryāya), creating energetic forces.
Matter can be identified by five attributes present in it. 1) Colour (5) Black, Green, Red, Yellow, White. 2) Smell (2) Pleasant and Unpleasant. 3) Taste (5) Sweet, Sour, Bitter, Pungent, Astringent 4) Touch (8) Smooth/Rough, Cold/Hot,
Heavy/Light, Sticky/Dry. 5) Shape (5) Round (marble), Circular - (bangle or saucer-shape), Triangular, Square, Oblong.
By permutation and combination they will have 530 divisions with several grades.
There are 'Avyavahārika Paramānu' (passive and inactive). Infinite number of these form one 'Vyavahārika Paramānu'
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