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442 : Scientific Contents in Prākrta Canons
Livingness of Plants
Many philosophies do not agree the plants to be living, but the Jainas have been animistic from the very beginning. Chāndogya Upanişad also declared livingness of all types of immobiles even fire and water like the Jainas. Aristotle also pointed out semi-developed life in them. However, the Jainas have given observational points in support of their livingness. Ācārānga, Sūtrakrtānga“, Mūlācāras and other canons have pointed out that plants are living because
(i-ii ) They are born. They grow young and old.
(iii-iv ) They get diseased and destroyed. They get faded/dry when cut.
( -vi) They are healed, they get healthy when medically treated.
( vii-viii ) They have desire for food. They have longings for pregnant women.
( ix-x) They have many modifications. They undergo metabolic changes.
( ix-xii) Some of them contract when touched. Some sleep in night and awaken in day.
(xiii-xiv) They have dormant consciousness. They have feelings of pain and pleasure when cut or grown like human beings.
( XV-XVI ) They approach towards others through medium. Their bodies are temporary.
(xvii-xviii) They procreate similar species. They flower when treated by mouthwash of women and beaten by their feet.
( xix ) The roots of some plants move towards wealth or treasure.
Mülācāra points cut that the livingness of plants is confirmed cannonically as above, inferentially and by direct observations. They have added some more points in this regard. They are like human beings with respect to their living
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