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Early Concepts of Chemistry in Jaina Canons : (139)
definition in contrast to Bauddhas and Vedantins. This point is well supported by current experimental science. It has been shown that definition of reals by Jainas covers a wider area than the current scientific definition.
There are two types of reals: (i) some have form or sense. perceptibility while (ii) others are formless and sense-imperceptible. The present world of matter and energy comes under category (i) while the living and non-material come under class (ii).
(ii) Mattergy and atoms
The material real is called Pudgala by Jainas- a combination of two words, which mean that material real is that which undergoes association and dissociation, combinations and de-combinations. They have forms, which represent concomitance of properties of touch, taste, colour and smell. Any material real must have all these four attributes. The touch may be experienced by hardness, density, temperature, and electrical nature. It may have 8 types of touch. 5 types of taste, 5 types of colour, 2 types of smell, and about 5-11 types of shape. These attributes may have infinite varieties depending on their intensities. There may be some dispute in other systems about the concomitance of these attributes. However, modern science favours it.
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The Jainas have included the current energies like light, electricity, sound, heat etc. in their material real pudgala. Hence the term is now translated as mattergy rather than matter. This term also includes fine particles like karmas (called Karmons) and mind (Mindons) besides atoms, molecules, mixtures and compounds.
This material real has two basic varieties: (i) Aņu (atom) and Skandha (aggregation). It must be noted that the Anu here refers to atom in historical sense, though many Jaina authors have equated it with some finer fundamental particles. It has been shown, however, that this may not be proper because of many discrepancies and difficulties. Similarly, the term Skandha has been referred to aggregation in comparison to molecules as by many authors. This reference is better suited in canonical descriptions.
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