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Reals in the Jaina Metaphysics
well as the other doctrine of Epigenesis according to which the varied parts of all organism were due to the peculiar positions and the mutual influencing of the germ-cells, were untenable, no course seemed to be left but to return to the old theory of Pre-formation and Weisman's theory is practically the theory of pre-formation shorn of its absurdities. Roughly speaking, the germ-cell according to Weisman did not contain an actual minute creature with all its limbs, as according to the Pre-formationists but was the basis of hidden complexities which under suitable conditions accounted for the varied parts and limbs in a full-fledged body.
WEISMAN'S THEORY AND THE DOCTRINE OF THE KARMAŅA ŚARIRA
May it not be submitted that to say that the germ-plasm has the capacities and the complexities to develop the parts of an organism is almost similar to the doctrine of the Linga or the Karmaņa Sarira which is no more than a collection of potential forces working out the gross body of an animal? The Indian doctrine may be presented as not only not to contradict any of the scientific standpoints but to throw lights (of course, in its own way) on many of the dark and as yet unexplained problems of biology. Take for instance, the germ-plasm itself. Observation and experiment have shown that it is not an absolutely and inert dead matter. The Indian theory fully acknowledges the fact and in its own way indicates the nature of the germ-plasm by supplementing its material aspect by the doctrine of the Linga Sarira. The germ-plasm is not simply a material mass but is the vehicle or basis through which the bodybuilding forces work. Why, it may be asked, do the Biophores leave the nucleus of the cell, pass into the general protoplasmic matter and rule its activities? How is it that the Determinants are formed of the Biophores, corresponding to the number of parts in an organism? What makes the varied Determinants cohere in a planned and orderly
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