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Definition of Living : 395
cells of the scientists by Sikdar is an over stretch for the cellular theory in canons (Jaina Biology, p. 28).
Formerly, the scientists presumed energies to be of non-material nature following the conservation law. Thus, the canonical pure life element could be said to be in the form of energy rather than cells. However, Jainas have always advocated energies to be material though they may be sufficiently finer than cells. The current science has also confirmed interconvertibility of matter and energy. Accordingly, the life element may be assumed to be of energetic nature whose non-materiality may be defined in terms of sense-imperceptibility. This assumption has been confirmed by scientific experiments which have shown that a newly born baby is associated with a charge of approximately 500 V of electrical energy and at death, the charge is nearly vanished, no body knows at present where does this charge go at death88. It is, however, presumed that this charge may be hoovering round the dead for sometime. This leads us to the fact that the living element is a form of fine energy particles called fine karmic particles of luminous (electrical, caloric) or karmic bodies by the Jainas. The recent telephonic talks (Spirocom) with spirits of the dead by O'neil and Meck also suggest a similar view of life element to be made up of fine light waves89. This association of fine bodies with the living makes it material. The maximum number of properties described in canons and Dhavalā90 also support this view. The computers are another example to support material generation of knowledge of the desired nature. That is why, the physical brain of man is called one of the most efficient and complex natural computer.
It must, however, be noted that whether the canonical life element is assumed as cellular or energetic, there is no interference or effect on its important properties. Both concepts can explain the effects and changes in thought activities, knowledge and energy of the living unit due to cellular denaturation, mutation or elimination. The philosophers could think a differ
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