Outlines of Jainism

Author(s): J L Jaini, F W Thomas
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Page 67

METAPHYSICS : V. THE FIVE MAGNITUDES
21
“In an atom there is only one pradeśu (or unit of space)": so says the Dravyasumgrahul-gāthā 26 (27). But, as atoms unite, they become a molecule. The finest kind of matter is that of the karmus, forming the karmic body, which always attends the soul and is the last to be discarded before the entry into the region of liberated souls. A group of karmic atoms is technically called a kurma-vargaņā (28).
Science recognizes three conditions of matter: solid, liquid, and gaseous. Jainism recognizes six conditions
1. Gross-gross, or very gross matter ( = solid), e.g. a mountain, a pillar of iron, etc. This class of matter, when divided, cannot be united without the use of a third something;
2. Gross ( =liquid), e.g. water, oil, etc. On division this can be united without the intervention of a third thing;
3. Gross-fine, e.g. shade, sunshine. It is interesting to compare this with the corpuscular theory of light in Western physics, before it was replaced by the modern wave-theory of Huygens. It is matter which looks gross or tangible, but cannot be grasped ;
4. Fine-gross, e.g. fragrance, sound, sweetness, etc.; the distinction between this and gross-fine being that gross-fine is more gross than fine, because it can be seen as light, shade, etc. ; whereas fine-gross cannot be seen, although its origin may be gross. The gases of science would be fine-gross. Fine-gross includes all things that may be perceived by the senses of touch, taste, smell, or sound;