Studies on Biology in Tattvartha Sutra

Author(s): N L Jain
Publisher: Z_Sumanmuni_Padmamaharshi_Granth_012027.pdf

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existence of mind (4-5) types of birth and gender (6) details of growth and (7) intricacies of death in comparison to biological ones. The question of physical and psychical nature of many descriptions is also intriguning - requiring clarification. The cellular theory does not agree with transmigration and eternalism of the living though many cases in support are reported without any confirmed opinion. The volitional factors are a field of psychology, hence not detailed in biology.
In summary, it seems clear that T.S. descriptions are pre-microscopic and form milestones in the history of development of biological science. In many cases, the biology has added finer points in details alongwith mechanisms-not found in T.S. or its commentaries. In cases of physical
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References
1. (a) Acarya, Uma Swami; Tattvartha Sutra, Varni Granthmala, Kashi, 1950.
(b) Acarya, Kanak Nandi, Svatantrata Ke Suta, Tattvartha Suta, Dharm- darshan Vijnana Shodha, Prakshan, Baraut, 1992.
Dhaky, M.A; Jain Journal, Calcutta, 21.2.1996.
Jain, N.L.; Tulsi Prajna, Ladnun, 22.4.1997 P.275.
descriptions, descrepancies regarding senses, mind, birth and gender etc. are observed requiring modifications for their scientificity. Despite all these points, it is to the credit of Jaina seers that they could look into the various gross aspects of the living on the basis of which new and finer biology has developed despite their main theme of spiritualism. Secondly, looking at the newer and finer facts about the living is also an indicator of the fact that ancient texts should not be taken to have tri-timal value as far as physical or biological phenomena are concerned. Their contents should be considered with historical perspective. However, their ethical, moral or happiness related contents will always have an all-time value.
Glory of Jain Culture
.; Tandulvayaliya, Sadhumargi Sansthan, Bikaner, 1949.
Chaturvedi, G.S.; Vedic Vijnan aur Bhartiya Sanskriti, Rastrabhasa Prachar Parishad, Patna, 1972 P.8,18.
6.
Tyagi, B.D.; Prani Vijnam, Raj Hans Prakashan, Meerut, 1988.
7. Acarya, Pujyadada; Sawartha Siddhi, Bhartiya Jnanpith, Delhi, 1970.
8. Bhatta, Akalanka; Rajvartika-1, Ibid, 1953.
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Jain, N.L.; Scientific Contents in Prakrita Canons, Parshvanath Sodhapith, Varanasi-5, 1996 P.440. 10. Ibid., P. 371-72
Studies on Biology in Tattvartha Sutra (Formulae on Reals)
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