Microcosmology Atom in Jain Philosophy and Modern Science

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

Page 121

Atom in Jain Philosophy
103
(vargaņā) because of its vital functions of pudgala. Ultimately, when jīva attains emancipation', its association with physical order of existence comes to an end once for all. In its pure state, jīva becomes motionless.
Pudgala is, thus, the only substance which has motion as its inherent attribute. At the same time, it should not be construed that the entire physical existence is active everywhere at all times and under all conditions. A physical body is sometimes in motion and sometimes at rest.?
Pudgala remains at rest on a single space-point for sometime before moving. In short, the dynamic state of pudgala is not continuous, but there are periods of intermittent rest
Vibratory motion is one type of dynamic activity, being an inherent attribute of pudgala. In other words, pudgala releases or absorbs energy because of its own competence to vibrate, and is thus dynamic in its own right.
There are many types of kriyā (activity) and primarily each kriyā is different from the other. But different types of energymanifestations can be grouped together on different basis. On the basis of causality, there are two types of kriyā :
(1) Spontaneous release of energy caused by its own innate capacity, and
(ii) Activation caused by external forces. In another way, kriyā is of two types :
(1) motion, and (ii) fusion-fission.'
1. Just after emancipation, the emancipated soul goes straight upward in one
sa ma ya to the top of the cosmic universe. This ultimate upward movement of the emancipated soul is perfectly straight and due to combined causes of () an upward push given by the final release from the bodies (as a seed springing upwards from a dry pod when released), and (ii) Jiva's inability of sinking downwards, because of masslessness or going in any other direction,
because it is bereft of its own motion. 2. Bhag. Sūt., 5/153-155. 3. Bhag. Süt, 5/170 4. Prav. Sår., Prad. Vrtti, 2/37. 5. Tat. Sloka Var., 5/712.