Microcosmology Atom in Jain Philosophy and Modern Science

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

Page 146

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Microcosmology : Atom 14. Interaction with jīva – Paramāņu by itself, that is, in its free state, is agrāhya, i.e., not attracted or transformed by jīval and, therefore, serves no useful purpose2 in its free state for the jīva.
15. Singularity-plurality- Paramānu is a primordial singularity. It has an eternal existence of its own and is determinate by its own qualities and modes. Para māņu as a substance is not a composite body; it is truly indivisible singularity. But as a substratum of many qualities, it does possess plurality. Spatially again, because it occupies a single space-point, it is singularity.
16. Gati (motion) and Kriya (dynamic activity)
Paramāņu has a propensity to become dynamically active. This does not mean that all paramāņus are active everywhere and at all times under all conditions. There is an element of uncertainty in the origination and cessation of the dynamic activity of paramānu. A para māņu can remain at rest on a single space-point for sometime. Maximum period of inactivity is innumerable (asaṁkh yāt samaya, after which it must move. On the other hand, maximum period of activity is innumerableth portion (asaṁkhyātāṁsa) of an āvalikā. Minimum period of activity and inactivity is one samaya. In short, the dynamic activity of Paramānu is not continuous, that is, there are alternate periods of rest and motion.
The Bhagavati Sūtra describes the variety of dynamic actions of a paramāņu; some of these are as follows: -
(1) "Siya eyati (2) Siya veyati (3) Siya calai (4) Siya phandai (5) Siya ghattai ( Siya kou vayai (7) Siya udirai
and so on." 1. Ibid, 20-5-38. 2. Ibid., 18-4-86. 3. 5/7/150