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THE SCIENTIFIC FOUNDATIONS OF JAINISM
:The existence of dynamic medium as a secondary space is proved to the Jain's satisfaction from the fact of motion; this must be caused by something; it cannot be due to time or the atoms, since they have no spatial extension, and that which is spaceless cannot give rise to movement in space; it cannot be due to the soul, since souls do not fill the whole universe, but motion is possible everywhere; it cannot be due to space, for space extends even beyond the universe, and if space was the basis of motion the bounds of the universe would fluctuate, which they do not; therefore motion must be caused by some other substance which does not extend beyond the universe, but pervades the whole of it; this is what is called dynamic medium. The existence of 'stationary medium' is proved by similar arguments."
The first four existents-soul, matter, space and time-do not themselves undergo any changes due to the two media, but they function insofar as soul and matter in either "Go-mode' through space or 'Stop-mode' in space. Thus in particular, the dynamic medium allows karmic fusion/fission whereas the stationary medium allows the state of karmic bondage. Further, the dynamic medium will allow the soul to travel to the next embodiment whereas the stationary medium will allow it be planted in a womb.
We have regarded the two existents as media for motion and rest but these can be viewed as two forces: Dynamic and Stationary forces. These operate on the non-living as well as the living. Their relation with four forces in Nature recognised by Modern Physics will be discussed in Chapter 10.
Time. Time is also not affected by the other existents. The Jains believe that time is digital, i.e. consists of an infinite series of discrete time points each dimensionless, for example, whenever a particular instant of time is recorded. Time as an existent has no beginning or end. Jains have regarded time as a fourth dimension in space and time interaction; for a detailed discussion involving time, space and other existents, see Basham (1958, p.78).
Matter (Pudgala). It is important to realise that “pudgala” will be translated as "matter" but in Jain Science the word also includes “physical energy”. The word is formed from the two words pum (joining) and gala (breaking). This gives central importance to the formation and destruction of matter; destruction has the implication of converting matter into energy and energy into matter. The modern word is “mass-energy".
Matter is finally composed of what may be described as the ultimate particle (U.P.). These are the smallest indivisible particles which we write “U.P.” They can be aggregated in many different
