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Reality and Matter : Definition, Properties and Classification : 159
The scientists define matter with three common properties 44 -
(i) It should occupy space or it should have a volume or form.
(ii) It should have a weight.
(iii) It should be subject to our experience or knowledge.
The Jainas counted only ( 1 ) and (iii) as common property of matter, though their concept of Agurulaghutva - neither-heavy nor-light connotes the idea of weight indirectly.
Jainas have many additional attributes not postulated by scientists. In fact, the scientific definition is not complete and accurate. It fails to illustrate many of the basic properties. Jainas postulate particulate nature, constant motion, insensibility, changeability and other co-existing properties. Hence, the non-inclusion of weight as a common property may be due to the fact that the Jainas assumed energies like light, heat, etc. to be material not seemingly possessing weight.
Recent researches, however, suggest that howsoever small it may be, energies must have weight equivalent to Einstein's equation45. Even if we presume Jaina's 46 point of equating electron or other fundamental particles like quarks as the Jainistic atom, they have already been weighed. The scientists are trying to detect particles like neutrons or gravitational energies and they have every hope to prove even these particles to be material. Thus, the weightlessness should be taken as to mean small or negligible weight rather than complete absence of it. The same also applies to the scientific term of energy.
Muniśri"? holds that atoms in Jaina scriptures have two varieties – one with four tactile properties and the other with eight tactile qualities. The first one does lack property of weight while the other has it. This only means that the first of these should be energy while the other to be matter of the present.
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