Pristine Jainism

Author(s): S M Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

Page 96

Other Salient Features of Jainism : (93) physique. Likewise recent advances in medical sciences have challenged the postulates about Ayuṣya Karma which is responsible for the duration of life-span. Earlier a person with kidney failure or heart problems died but surgical corrections and replacements have prolonged the life-span. The coming up of gene therapy may in future correct and cure malfunctioning and abnormal behaviour of mind and even emotions like anger, anxiety, excessive sex desires etc may be controlled. The advent of anaesthesia has made most painful surgery, completely painless, thus questioning the validity of Vedaniya Karma. So karmic matter, if any, must be studied. May be it has properties to change under such interventions as mentioned above. There is need to put certain postulates under scientific scrutiny to satisfy the young generations that are getting more and more inquisitive. However, what can be cured by complicated scientific medical intervention can be cured and prevented by following Jaina code of conduct. The medical and scientific developments support the concept of Jainism that things can be changed by individual and collective effort and not that some super power and gods or goddesses have to be propitiated to come, help and do things for us as subscribed by other cults.
Jaina Cosmology:
There is voluminous literature on Jaina cosmology. Broadly the universe is in two parts, one is Lokākāśa and rest is Alokākāśa. Lokākāśa is finite, of measured size and shape and contains all animate and inanimate objects within its boundaries being surrounded by impervious layers to check things going out. Alokākāśa is infinite empty space same as in modern astronomy. In Jaina Cosmology there is mention of innumerable islands and surrounding oceans, Suns and Moons, which tally with planets and stars in modern astronomy. The description of a big mountain in the centre of earth (Compact Gondwana continent before drifting away of Africa, America, Australia) resembles that of Himalayas and of rivers in Jaina literature is almost same as seen now, though some have become extinct. Arhat- kevli, the omniscients must have described