Tattvarthadhigamsutram Part 2

Author(s): Umaswati, Umaswami, Hiralal R Kapadia
Publisher: Jivanchandra Sakarchandra

Page 62

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INTRODUCTION
Mere juxtaposition (in) is insufficient ; linking of atoms or molecules must follow before a compound can be produced. The linking takes place under different conditions. Ordinarily speaking, one particle of matter (96) must be negative, and the other positive (faqayt); the two particles must have two peculiar opposite qualities, roughness and smoothness (47 and ffaria, or dryness and viscosity ?) to make the linking possible. But no linking takes place, where the qualities, though opposed are very defective or feeble (597 ). We have seen that, ordinarily speaking, two homogeneous particles, i.e. both positive, or both negative do not unite. This is the case where the opposed qualities are equal in intensity. But if the strength or intensity of the one is twice as great as that of the other, or exceeds that proportion, then even similar particles may be attracted towards each other. In every case, change of state in both the particles is supposed to be the result of this linking, and the physical characters of the aggregate depend on the nature of this linking. When particles of equal intensity (negative and positive) modify each other, there is mutual action; in cases of unequal intensity, the higher intensity transforms the lower, it being apparently thought that an influence proceeds from the higher to the lower. All changes in the qualities of atoms depend on linking. A crude theory, of the chemical combination, very crude but immensely suggestive, and possibly based on the observed electrification of smooth and rough surfaces as the result of rubbing. The interpretation of Fe and fie as dry and viscous must be rejected in this connection as untenable. The Tattvārthādhigama of Umāsvāti which expounds the theory, most probably dates back to the first half of the first century A. D."
Jaina cosmography
As already observed, the third and the fourth chapters of Tattvārtha deal with cosmography. Instead of giving its outline, I shall
ther place before the reader the inferences drawn by Dr. R. Shamasastry, B.A., Ph.D. about the divisions etc. of Jambūdvīpa.
He commences his article "The Home of the Ancient Hindus and their policy of racial fusion" by observing that “fabulous as is the geographical account of the world given in the Brāhmaṇic and Jaina lite. rary works, it seems to contain some reliable facts, though too difficult to