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Scientific Vision of Lord Mahāvīra
First of all, when we speak of scientific temperament, we mean by it a systematic approach to understand truth in a rational and verifiable manner. Let us not forget that although the main object of Mahāvīra's philosophical deliberations was to elucidate the practice of spiritualism that leads one ultimately to emancipation, there are a large number of passages which have a bearing on subjects having a scientific import. For example; the whole theory of karmic particles is a systematic analysis of micro-cosmological phenomenon. The theory of karma is so thorough in its consistency that it provides a full scope for a truly scientific investigation.*
The scientific approach generally involves mathematics and logic. In the Bh.S, wherever it was found necessary to go into detail to understand certain phenomena, Mahāvīra did not hesitate to use mathematical calculations and logical arguments. For example; in the case of souls charged with anger, pride, deceit and greed, the total number of their permutations and combinations is provided. 15 Similarly, in the case of ascetic Gāngeya's death, Mahāvīra explained the permutations and combinations of soul's entering into the infernal life, the sub-human life; the human life and the celestial life. 16 Here, a very complex mathematical computation has been given to understand the whole phenomena, which unambiguously demonstrates the scientific temperament of Mahāvīra. In another interesting episode of the Chamara, the head of devils, Shakra, the head of gods, and the Vajra, an instrument used by Shakra, the relative velocity of the three has also been mentioned. 17 Such descriptions are again a direct evidence of highly scientific temperament of the Bh.S which can be understood in the context of the gravitational laws prevailing at various places in the universe.
The scientific investigation does involve the subtle objects that are not commonly perceived or known. In his philosophy, Mahāvīra is always speaking of subtle phenomena and giving definite laws governing their behaviour. For example, the theories of atom and subtle aggregates of matter, such as, light, darkness etc. have been dealt with in a perfectly scientific manner giving in detail the fundamental properties of matter. The motion of the ultimate atom'8 and the laws governing it are surprisingly similar to those treated in modern Physics. For example - Unless acted upon by external forces, atom (Paramānu) moves in a
straight line (anuśrenigati).
When acted upon by external forces, atom may change direction and speed. Jīva (worldly existent soul) has no direct influence on the motion of atom.
* Note: Recently some research is being undertaken, which definitely proves that this topic is worthy of scientific investigation. The book, 'Neuroscience and Karma' authored by Muni Mahendra Kumar & J.S. Zaveri is an example of it.
