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Theory of Pudgala
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The sum total of the arguments advanced by scientists is that matter and energy are not different elements. Matter is energy and energy is matter was explained in the previous pages. The dualism of matter and energy is not accepted by quantum theory.
Both matter and energy are the same as the Jain concepts of paryāyu, Parinama and kriyā etc. These are the characteristics of all the material clusters and atoms. The energy of electromagnetic radiation and particles ejected from radioactive substances are but two different forms (paryāyas) of the same attribute, i.e. kriyāvattva.'08
Now, we come to the conclusion that the process of fusion and fission that are the basic features of Pudgala are inevitable results when energy is released in its various forms. Pudgala : Classification
Classification means grouping of similar things in accordance with some system of aspect. The infinite varieties of material objects constituting the physical order of existence can be classified in various ways, and from various aspects, both systematic and arbitrary. As we have already seen, the Jain philosophy describes the character of an object through fourfold determinants: substance (dravya), space (kşetra) time (kāla) and attributes (bhāva).
Thus, to emphasize infinitely infinite multiplicity of the physical substance, it is described as under: (i) Substance-wise-Pudgala is infinite. It means there is infinite number
of atoms (Parumānu) existing either independently (in free or unattached state) or in combination making infinite composite bodies (skandhas). 109 Conversely, infinite composite bodies break up into
infinite smaller components or infinite ultimate atoms. 110 [ii] Space-wise--Each and every space-point of cosmos is occupied by
infinite number of ultimate atoms and composite bodies.111 There is not a single space-point where there is neither an ultimate atom nor a composite body. According to Jain Cosmology, there is no vacuum anywhere in the cosmos. That is, the entire cosmic space is 'plenum'.
It is only the (tarns-cosmic space) which is totally vacuum."12 [iii] Time-wise-The physical existence is eternal and indestructible, not
a single new ultimate atom is created nor destroyed. Inspite of infinite fission and fusion occurring at every time-point, the total existence
persists; it has neither a beginning nor a end."13 [iv] Quality-wise-Pudgala is a substratum of infinite qualities. Each of
these qualities undergoes infinite mutations and transformations. Because of this multiplicity of changing each substance in itself is infinite.114
