Journal of Gyansagar Science Foundation 2013 04 01

Author(s): Sanjeev Sogani, Vimal Jain
Publisher: Gyansagar Science Foundation

Page 17

2. Necessity and use of Study of Jania Mathematics
3. Work done in the field of jania Mathematics
4. Availability of Jania Mathematical Literature
5. Some Achivements of Jainacaryas in the field of Mathematics
6. Mathematics Found in Jaina Agamas
Scientific Estimation of Period And Biography of Bhagwan Rishabhdev and Exploring Ashtapad Dr. Rajmal Jain
Physical Research Laboratory, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad-380 009 Mob: 9427001972; E-mail: rajmal@prl.res.in
Rishabhdev also known as Bhagwan Adinath was the first of the Jain Tirthankars, and the founder of Jainism. According to literatures following to Bhagwan Mahaveer he lived billions of years ago and attained liberation ("moksh") towards the end of the third era of the present half cycle of time. At the beginning of the twenty first century, we are approximately 2,530 years into the fifth era. However, by any means from currently available literatures it is almost impossible to estimate the period, age and physical structure of Bhgwan Rihabhdev. Thus we consider scientific approach to better understanding of period and biography of Bhagwan Rishabhdev. Our investigation in context to evolution of earth, evolution of man, climate cycle on the earth viz. ice age, and earth, solar, cosmic and greenhouse forcings, reveal that period of Bhagwan Rishabhdev was most likely between 21000 and 15000 years before present. Further, considering conversion of biological units of his biography allows us to eastimate his age to be about 720 years and height 8.3 feet. It appears that he ruled for a period of about 539 years, and then he spent about 9 years as Diksha period. It took only one month to him for nirvan at Ashtapad mountain. It appears from literature/references that Ashtapad was not very far from Ayodhya. This implies that Ashtapad was a part of Kaushal kingdom. If so, then, in current geographical context, we may propose Tibet tropical region as Kaushal kingdom zone, and perhaps some part of thickly populated area of Tibet region as Ayodhya. We estimate the dimensions of Rishabhdev's Ayodhya to be about 4.5 km X 6 km. The Barkha plain and/or nearby areas such as Tirthpuri are likely candidates to be Ayodhya.
Microorganisms as Mentioned in Jainism
Prof. Ashok K. Jain
Head, School of Studies in Botany Jiwaji University, Gwalior-474011 Tel: 0751-2343197 (Res.), Mob: 09425114344 E-Mail: asokjain2003@yahoo.co.in
Microorganisms have an important role in the life of human beings. Both beneficial and harmful roles are being played by several kinds of such organisms. In 20th century several new vistas have been opened up in the field of microbiology i.e. the science of study of microorganisms. It could be possible due to development of new techniques in bio-science. If we look in to jaina code of food and edibles then it becomes clear that since times immemorial jaina saints knew about properties and nature of microorganisms. They clearly directed about the edible and non-edible items on the basis of occurrence and activities of microorganisms. For example the wheat flour must be consumed within three days during rainy, five days during summer and seven days in winter season. Modern microbiology also explains the occurrence of microorganisms in the same manner. The finest microorganisms in Jainism are called 'Nigodiya' which can be compared with bacteria and viruses of modern bioscience. It is really surprising that how jain saints came to know about such tiny living beings. A good number of fruits and other items have been strictly prohibited for consumption in Jainism. There is need to search more such information and find out the scientific logic behind it. Several jaina scriptures mention about the limits within which one should do activities for the prevention of pollution and not killing and disturbing other living entities. All these rules, directions or codes were formulated for the maintenance of equilibrium among various components of environment.
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Abstract