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Theory of Atom
119
Whether it moves to an adjacent space-point or crosses the whole cosmos from one end to the other, if the time taken is a time-unit, the motion will be in anuśreņi i.e. straight and without changing the direction. If there is a turning, the time will be more than one time-unit. Turning is always due to external forces.
From the above it is clear that in some respects activity and motion of an atom follow definite rules, while in other respects they follow the principle of uncertainty. The definite rules can be summarised as under: 1. Unless acted upon by external forces an atom moves in a straight line
(anuśrenīgati) 2. When acted upon by external forces an atom may change direction and
speed.
Conscious substance has no direct influence on the motion of atom. 4. Minimum and maximum distances travelled by an atom in one time-unit
are space between two adjacent points and the entire length of the cosmos
respectively. 5. Maximum period of inactivity (rest) is innumerable time-unit.
Maximum period of activity is innumerableth of fraction of an āvalikā.*
In Jain atomism, the principle of uncertainty as mentioned carlier governs the following conditions: 1. It is uncertain, after what interval of time an atom at rest will become
dynamic (release energy). This time-interval may be from one time-unit upto innumerable time-units. However, after an interval of innumerable
time-units, it will become active for sure. 2. Similarly, it is uncertain upto what duration of time a dynamic atom will
continue to be active. It (the duration) could be from one time-unit to an innumerableth portion of an avalikā but it will surely cease to be active after this maximum interval.
Samaya is the indivisible quantum of time. A comparatively larger and more practical unit of time, which is measurable is called avalikā and is equal to 1.7 x 104 seconds. One avalikā covers Jaghanya-Yukta-Asamkhyāta' samuyas. This number is impossible to be expressed in numerical figures, but it shows to have definite measurable value and its lower limit can be calculated. Jain mathematics expresses this numbers as greater than x where (see "Visva- Prahelikā' by Muni Mahendra Kumar, p.255-270)
. 10134 times
143 10 10 and
X
= y
y = 10
