Microcosmology Atom in Jain Philosophy and Modern Science

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

Page 145

Atom in Jain Philosophy
127
qualities of colour, etc. and when synthesized in a composite body, it acquires the quality of samsthāna (shape) also.
7. Quantitatively-- The total number of paramāņus in the universe (loka) never changes. Not a single paramānu is destroyed - not a single new one is created. Under all circumstances and for all times, the total remains constant.
8. Metaphysically, Paramānu is real and a constituent of the physical reality. It is subject to the principle of permanencethrough-change, and therefore, has an objective real existence. It is neither a figment of mind nor is merely a postulation.
9. Geometrically- Paramānu (by itself) is extensionless, but not arūpi. It is a true point and, therefore, has neither length nor breadth nor thickness; extension is a quality of composite bodies only.
10. Parināma (mutation) - Paramāņu being a substance undergoes mutation. Its four innate qualities viz., colour, taste, smell and touch undergo mutation. In the free state, all mutations are of the visrasā type i.e. self-generated. Also in the free state the mutation is only in the intensities of colour, etc., i.e. X unit black changes to Y unit black but black does not become white or red etc., but during and after union with others, change in colour (black changing to blue) etc., may also take place.
11. Non-transmutation - Not a single paramāņu can be destroyed or transmuted into another substance nor another substance be transmuted to create a new paramāņu. But paramāņus unite together to form composite bodies and the latter may again dissociate into paramāņus.
12. Agurulaghu- Para mānu is agurulaghu i.e., it is neither heavy nor light. this is another way of emphasizing that it has no mass. The qualities of gurutva and laghutva are acquired later by composite bodies of certain groups and structures.
13. Permanence-through-change- Paramāņu as a substance is indestructible and therefore, permanent or eternal. But from the point of view of its qualities which undergo modifications, it is changing. That is why it has been called permanent as well as impermanent!
1. Bhaga vati Sūtra, 14-4-49.