Microcosmology Atom in Jain Philosophy and Modern Science

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

Page 187

A Critique
SECTION III
GENERAL PROPERTIES OF
PUDGALA
169
Paryaya, Pariṇāma, Kriyā, Bheda (Fission) and Bandha (Fusion) - the above terms are used by Jains to show various aspects of the dynamic nature of matter. They are meant to indicate that various kinds of energies inhere and are potentially available in the different states of matter and each change of state is accompanied with release or transformation of energy.
Pudgalāstikāya, assert the Jains, is an energetic and active substance. Various kinds of multifarious activities are attributed to it. First of all, there is the artha-paryaya which is the change of state due to its own basic transitory element. This type of modification is incessant and continuous and affects the structure of the substance itself. Secondly, there is the vуañjana-paryāya which is intermittent and may be the result of interaction between the two substances. This type of modification may affect the substance or the inherent qualities of the substance. Thirdly, we have pariņāma which means mutation or transformation i.e. change of qualities like samsthāna (shape) etc. Then we have different types of motions-simple and complex oscillation, vibration, rotation, revolution and migration, collectively called kriya which describes the dynamic nature of the substance. And finally, we have bheda i.e. splitting or fission and bandha i.e. union or fusion.
PARYAYA
The quantum view that all particles possess potentially different combinations of other particles parallels the Jain view that pudgala undergoes incessant modification called paryaya.
Now, according to the atomic theory of modern science, atoms of all elements are composed of two parts: (1) the nucleus which is normally static (with reference to the atom itself) and (2) electrons which are normally revolving around the nucleus. The relative motion of electrons is incessant and continuous irrespective of the state of the element being solid, liquid or