Microcosmology Atom in Jain Philosophy and Modern Science

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

Page 92

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Microcosmology: Atom
This brings us to an irritating problem in metaphysics, viz., the problem of relation. We shall discuss this in greater detail in the succeeding chapter of this book. Here, we shall only mention that the reality of relation is a fundamental concept of the Jains. A "dravya" is the identity of an infinite multiplicity of modes. It is a unity and diversity in one, and the relation involved is neither one of absolute identity nor one of absolute otherness, but something different from both. It is sui generis which does not permit of being determined by absolute criteria. A substance exists 'in' and 'through' its attributes, and the latter, related and organized, constitutes a 'substance'. In simple language, quality (guna) and 'mode' (paryaya) cannot be absolutely different from the substance nor can they be absolutely identical with it. The difference is only that of reference and not that of existence.
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Earlier, it has been stated that the Non-absolutist Jains assert that while the universe is an order by whole, it is, at the same time, a plurality of its constituents. The six substances to be described below are deductions from experiential data. Each substance is distinct from another by virtue of possessing one or more particular qualities which are not possessed by the others. Besides, since all substances are constituents of a single Reality, a thread of unity runs through all of them in the form of universal qualities. In subsequent pages, we shall first deal briefly with the particular qualities of each substance, which shall be followed by the discussion of universal qualities.
SIX ULTIMATE SUBSTANCES
Jains believe in the existence of six ultimate real substances as under
(1) Dharmāstikāya – Medium of Motion.
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(2) Adharmāstikāya—Medium of Rest.
(3) Ākāśāstikāya-Space.
(4) Jīvāstkāya-Psychical Existence (Soul).
(5) Pudgalastikāya-Physical Existence (Matter and
Energy).
and (6) Kāla-Time.!
1. Bhagavati Sūtra, 13-4-55, J.V.B. Edition.