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Jaina Theory of Atoms : 231
inore realistic view about the equivalence. The best point is to have the word paramāņu in its historical perspective and equate it to the contemporary atom of Vaiśesikas, greeks and Dalton even. It is only then that its properties could be compared and evaluated.
The Vaiśesika atom'' has also a point size but its dimensions are about 10? ( a crore ) times larger than the Jaina real atom of canons. Thus, it is really an atomic or molecular aggregate in current or even in Jaina terms. Surely, it could be easily divisible and weighted. There is, thus, no comparison of this atom with the Jainas or the current atom of 108 cm. size. However, we will presume the Vaiśesika atom with the same view as above for our comparison.
The Sānkhyas are not basically atomists but Sikdar20 has suggested their Prakrti to be equated with atom. However, the nature of this agency is not in tune with the activities of the atom. Secondly, how an atom could form tanmātrika infraatom ? it is like a vital force which the Jainas would not agree with. Sanghavia has suggested that the Jainas have the synthesis of their atom from the Sānkhyas and the Vaiseșikas in their fine and real variety.
It may be pointed out that there are some Indian systems like Sankara's Advaita-vedānta and Buddhas Vijñānavāda who do not agree to atomism as the cause of gross matter. They have refuted atomistics logically. However, it holds sway over these systems and has got support from modern science. Definition of Paramāņu or Atom
Of all the canons, Bhagavati22 is most important in giving many details of atomic concepts of the Jainas. They are followed by pro-canons written by Kundakunda23 with some additions to the theory. Table 2 points out the distinctive features of the Jaina theory comparatively. It is found that all systems of atomists agree an atom to be non-living, basic and
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