Scientific Vision of Lord Mahavira

Author(s): Chaitanyapragyashreeji
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati

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Scientific Vision of Lord Mahāvīra
The concept of supra-cosmos, according to Acharya Mahapragya, endorses the fact that every existent has its anti-thesis or binary; nothing can exist without its anti-thesis.
The forth chapter is mainly concerned with the theory of pudgala-physical reality or matter. The principle of immutability of pudgala as substance in the Bh.S. and the principles of Conservation of Matter and Energy in science are coming closer to each other. Different modifications of pudgala, such as, light, darkness, sound and rays etc. have also been scientifically well established. It proves that the approach of Jain seers is more or less scientific in comparison to other philosophical systems related to these phenomena.
The fifth chapter describes something beyond imagination related to atomic or sub-atomic world. The various kinds of motion of atom show extra ordinary perception of the Jain seers. The concept of spinning of atom had appeared more than 2500 years ago into the experience of the Jain seers in comparison to the observation of scientists of today. Till the time of Einstein, it was accepted that nothing can move faster than light. Recently, it has been accepted that there are some sub-atomic particles which are massless and which move faster than even light. But according to the Bh.S., the speed of not only living beings but also atom itself is the fastest one. In one instant (samaya), it can go from one end to the other end of the universe. Besides, the laws of motion of atom, mentioned in the Bh.S., are also significant. It also refers to the fact that atom is also governed by uncertainty principle.
The sixth chapter deals with the biological factors which are quite knowledgeable. It also deals with the problem of soul-body relationship and cloning system etc.
The corresponding figures given in the appendix help the reader to comprehend the shape of universe, the place of heaven etc. mentioned in the text of Bh.S.
Thus, the thesis on the Bhagavatī Sūtra would provide the modern thinkers and scientists some innovative ideas with the little known facts and theories of Jain philosophy and inspire them to think over the scientific vision of the Jain Seers. The work would help deepen the scope for the study of Jainism in general and Jain canonical literature in particular. The thing worth to notice in the context of the Work is thesis is that the text Bh.S. mentioned througt owt the work connotes the text Bhagavai contained in Angasūttāņi Vol. II edited by Muni Nathmal.
Samani Chaitanya Pragya