Microcosmology Atom in Jain Philosophy and Modern Science

Author(s): Jethalal S Zaveri, Mahendramuni
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati

Page 113

Atom in Jain Philosophy
95
We shall now discuss the above properties of pudgala in
detail :
1. (a) PUDGALA IS AN ASTIKĀYA
Earlier, astikā ya was defined as
(i) a homogeneous continuum composed of multiple parts,
and
(ii) having an extended body.
Pudgala is an astikāya, as all aggregates of pudgala are composed of multiple parts (pradeśa). The composite bodies (aggregates) of pudgala consist of numerable or innumerable or infinite number of pradesa, depending upon the structure and composition of the bodies. An ultimate atom is a single pradeśa, and has no constituents.
As regards extension-in-space, there is remarkable similarity between Jain view and modern science. The extension-in-space of pudgala varies from aggregate to aggregate depending upon its density. Since a free ultimate atom is an indivisible point, it will always occupy a single space-point, but a composite of two such atoms-a diatomic aggregate- -can extend to two space-points, or after fusion can occupy a single one. Similarly, an aggregate composed of numerable, innumerable or even infinite number of pradeśa, can be accommodated in a single space-point on account of its quality of compressibility or may extend to numerable or innumerable space-points.2
The extension (number of space-points occupied) of an aggregate cannot exceed the number of its constituent atoms. But the maximum extension of an aggregate of infinite atoms is innumerable, and not infinite space-points. It must be remembered that a number of atoms may occupy a single space-point at the
1. (a) Br. Dr. Sam., verse 25
(b) Niy. Sār., verse 35
(c) Tat. Sut., 5/10
2. Tat. Sūt. Sarvārthasiḍhi, 5/14