________________
Theory of Atom
109
Paramāņu in Jain Physics
Matter exists in two principal forms: indivisible elementary particles and their combinations. In the technical terms of Jainism, the indivisible elementary particles are called parumāņu (atom) and the combinations of these particles are known as skandhaslo (cluster). Here we should not mind some minute differences between the word atom of modern science and technical term paramāņu. Skandha (cluster) is defined as an aggregate of atoms. It possesses gross form as well as subtle and undergoes processes of association and of dissociation.
The full name of atom is paramānu pudgalall or paramānu, 12 but it is generally called 'paramānu'. Etymologically, the word parumāņu is made up of two terms 'parama' + 'anu' i.e. extreme unit. The extreme limiting unit of the process of division of any object is anu. Such ultimate aņu is paramänu. Thus, paramāņu is an ultimate or primary atom.13 In this chapter the word 'atom' is used in the sense of paramānu. Here, the thing worthy to note is that the atom is a form of matter; therefore, it must possess the four material qualities, viz; colour, taste, smell and touch. According to the Bh.S, it is endowed with one of the five primary colors, one of the two smells, one of the five tastes and two of the four touches, i.e., either hot or cold and either dry or viscous. 14 Four other touches i.e. hard, soft, light and heavy are not found in it. Atom is the smallest particle of matter or ultimate "building block" of the physical world. It is indivisible, indestructible, impenetrable, incombustible and imperceptible to sense-organs." It cannot be split or destroyed by any means whatsoever. The sharpest instrument cannot divide it into two likewise the highest temperature cannot melt it. 16 Atom does not become wet even if it is drenched by the deluge clouds. Its existence or identity will not be lost even if it enters a drop of water or whirlpool of water. 17 Thus, in Jain view atom' is different from the atom accepted in Physics, which is destructible and divisible.
In the Tattvārtha Räjavārtika, 18 an atom is defined as the smallest material particle. There is nothing smaller than the atom. According to the Pancāstikāya-sāra, the substance that has a single taste, a single colour, a single smell and two kinds of touch, which is the cause of sound while unsounding itself, this is different from molecules though constituting them, is called an atom.19
Since atoms are the ultimate building block of physical universe, the four fundamental attributes of matter as mentioned above, are always associated with them. The properties of hardness and softness, heaviness and lightness are never associated with atoms. Because they are result of the different proportion the basic four touch and thereforç they are qualities of molecules, not of the individual atoms. These properties are generated by the loose or compact aggregation of atoms and because all the atoms are massless, there is no room for the question of whether they are light or heavy,
