Microcosmology Atom in Jain Philosophy and Modern Science

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

Page 200

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Microcosmology : Atom (iv). Memory, recognition and discursive thoughts are cases of matijñāna under (ii) and (iii). Sensuous cognition of the fivefold sense-data-touch, taste, etc., are instances of (i).
Buddhi or intellect falls under category (ii) inasmuch as, it is a purely mental perception. It is a special gift of nature and independent of the previous education of the perceivers. Fourfold intellects are:
(1) Autpātiki buddhi means immediate comprehension. It is defined as the intellect which comprehends the true nature of a previously unknown complicated problem and successfully solves it. It is by a flash of genius that the solution of a difficult and strange problem dawns upon the mind.
(2) Vaina yiki buddhi means intellect born of humility and service. It is defined as the intellect which is capable of completing a difficult task and is born of humility and faithful service and not learning).
(3) Kārmiki or Karmajā buddhi means intellect acquired by practice. It is defined as intellect which comprehends the truth due to breadth of vision of both the practical and the theoretical sides of actions. Such an intellect is the result of extraordinary development of talent through practical experience rather than theoretical learning e.g. valuation of diamonds and other precious stones.
(4) Pārināmiki buddhi means mature intellect. It is defined as the intellect which attains its goal through reasoning, deduction, inference and analogy, developed with the maturity of age.
It can be easily seen that all these intellects are founded on mental faculties. Could flash of genius, humility, reasoning, etc., be constituted and produced by physiological changes alone?
Let us return to the material stuff called manaḥ varganā which is fit for the purpose of forming dra vya manaḥ. Admittedly none of the current theories of psychology conceive the necessity of fine material particles (or are they radiations of extremely short