Scientific Vision of Lord Mahavira

Author(s): Chaitanyapragyashreeji
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati

Page 75

Space and Time in the Bh.S.
The Jain concepts of space and time have generally been understood only theoretically. Seldom have they been explained either philosophically or scientifically. This thesis attempts to offer an explanation on these terms.
The Jain doctrine of Space is put on a par with the doctrine propounded by Newton, in apparent contrast to the doctrine propounded by Kant and Einstein. The Bh.S' elucidates it on an extensive scale and accommodates it with the theory of cosmology and cosmogony. The Jain doctrine of space and time is receiving a scientific analysis and vindication in some form in the light of modern physics.
The word 'Universe' implies that several reals are subsumed under it. According to the Bh.S, it is quite clear that the universe consists of the five extended realities or six substances as indicated in the previous chapter.2 The common experience reveals that everything and every event, experienced with the help of sense-organs, persist in space and happen in time. The question arises whether space and time are real existents? If so, are they of the material nature or of immaterial nature?
Space
An Objective Reality
According to the Bh.S, space (Akāśa) is an independent and objective reality. It is self-content and the container of all other substances. It is boundless and infinite. Space is not occapied by any other entities, as they are finite or limited. Like other elements, space also represents a manifold reality. It means, inspite of being incorporeal, space consists of infinite space-points. 4 According to Abhayadeva and Prabhācandra, even an incorporcal or formless object may contain parts or divisions. Abhayadeva