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A SOURCE-BOOK IN JAINA PHILOSOPHY
167
Considered from the point of view of substance, a molecule is sapradeśí (extensive in spacial extension). The molecule's extension is determined by the number of paramāņus it has.
From the point of kşetra (space), skandha (molecule) is sapradeśī (extensive) and also apradesi. A molecule which covers one point of space is apradesī, but if covers more than one point of space, it becomes sapradeśī.
From the point of view of kāla (time), a molecule which has a duration of one samaya is apradeśī. But if it remains for more than one samaya, it is sapradeść.
From the point of view of bhāva (nature), a molecule is characterised by one quality it is apradeśī. But if has more than one quality, it is sapradeść.1
MOTION OF MATTER !! Paramāņu is jada (unconscious) still it is characterised by motion. The motion of the paramāņu is sometimes due to some cause and sometime without any cause. In fact, a paramānu is not always in motion. It is sometimes in motion and sometimes not. In one samaya, it can travel from one point of space in the universe to another point of space in the farthest point which is at a distance of innumerable yojanas. The characteristic of motion is inherent in the atom, although it may not always move. So, the principle of movement (Dharma) is the principle due to which motion in paramāņu is possible. But the principle of Dharma is not the cause of the motion, it is only an efficient condition.?
A question arises, whether the motion in paramāņu is due to itself or is caused by jiva.
The answer is that paramāņu does not move because of jiva, as paramāņu is not transformed or combined into molecules, due to jīva. It is material in nature. And the cause is material only. Jīva has no power to move the paramānus.
1. Bhagavatī, 5, 8. 2. Bhagavati, 16, 8.
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