Scientific Vision of Lord Mahavira

Author(s): Chaitanyapragyashreeji
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati

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Scientific Vision of Lord Mahāvīra
in itself, according to the Jain philosophy, is infinite extension and only a portion of it is filled with other real substances. It is this finite portion known as universe.
The four Astikāyas i.e. the medium of motiom, the medium of rest, matter and consciousness and the cosmic-space (Lokākāśa) together make up the entire universe. It is the theatre of the entire cosmic dance. The space is finite because of the two substances, viz., the medium of motion and medium of rest. The systematic structure of the cosmos is seen because of the two media. In the absence of the media the world had been chaos. Here, it will, therefore, be relevant to know about the medium of motion and medium of rest to understand the systematic order and end of the universe.
Like the beginning, the end of the universe is also questionable. Once the disciple Indrabhuti asked Mahāvīra about the end of the universe. 116 The answer given is non-absolutic i.e. the universe is with and without end. It is with end because of number and space occupied."7 Universe is one in number and therefore it is with end. It means Multi-universe theory of science is not acceptable to the Jain cosmologists. Universe is limited and not without boundary. This is the reason why it is with end from the spacial point of view. The boundaries are the medium of motion and the medium of rest. The living and non-living objects are confind themselves only to the media. In other words, where the two media are there is the universe. They prevail in innumerable points of space. Therefore, the universe is also of innumerable space-points.'18 Thus, the two cosmic principles i.e. the medium of motion and the medium of rest are the line of demarcation of universe."19
Being essential constituents of the cosmos the medium of motion and the medium of rest are called cosmos as such.120 Both are mutually interpenetrating and concomitant with cosmic space. Without them cosmos is impossible. Their existence and influence do not extend beyond the cosmos, but within the cosmos. They are all pervasive and co-extensive. Their separate existence cannot be inferred from the difference of locality as there is no such difference, It can be inferred by their different functions. In other words, they have a unity of locality with a diversity of functions. Being devoid of physical qualities as well as consciousness, they can be distinguished by their respective functions. 121
The Bh.S gives detailed explanation about the medium of motion and the medium of rest in different contexts at many places. Accordingly, they can be understood in the following five respects, such as, substance, space, time, quality and function as given below.122
As substance, the medium of motion and the medium of rest are only one.
As space, both are co-extensive with the cosmos.
As time, both of them were never non-existent, they are never nonexistent and they will never be non-existent; they were, they are and they