Vaishali Institute Research Bulletin 7

Author(s): Nand Kishor Prasad
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

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Vaishali İnstitute Research Bulletin No. 7
(x) They are active and may be transformed of modified in various ways.
The Buddhists have one word for matter-rupa-consisting of two varieties-primary elements or mah-abhutas and secondary elements or utpad rupa. Both of them are called Rupa-skandhas consisting of atoms and molecules. However, the Buddhist's atoms, combined atoms or primary elements are equivalent to Skandhas of the Jainas as they are made up of 7-10 small constituents. Thus, for them, matter is nearly molecular. The utpad rupas have been described to be fifteen, sixteen or twentyfour in number-all molecular species.8
The vaisheshikas postulate atomic theory but they do not have a separate or common term for atomic aggregations. These are called effects by them, their nomenclature depending on the number of atoms participating in aggregation like diatomic, triatomic etc. The compositeconstituent concept of inferential nature in this connection has been discussed by Prabhachandra.10
Current scientists have the term molecule for atomic combinations. However, the molecules are chemically bonded in contrast to many physically bonded atomic aggregates. The Jain term Skandha includes, however, both types of bonding-physical and chemical as well. The current examples may be mixture of inert gases in air, molecules of hydrogen or oxygen elements or water. The Skandhas, thus, include all types of aggregation of elements, molecules, compounds or mixtures. This Jain term is, therefore, more general than the term molecule of the scientists. These molecules have the capacity, however, to get dissociated into its constituents.
Classification of Skandhas
The Skandhas are innumerable. The scholars felt the need of classifying them for their proper studies. They have been classified in many ways. The first classification consists of their two varieties-gross and fine, sense perceptible or otherwise. This is based on commonsense view. The other classifications are based on that of matter as such and summarised in Table 1. They are not illustrated except in the fourth one where the criteria of eye-perceptibility has produced a discrepancy in current terms pointed out by Jain and Jains. 12 There is one more point regarding the illustrative meaning of the sixth category of fine-fine class. Kundkund illustrates it with finer particles than karmic aggregates. Javeri supports it by saying that action particles are made up of innumerable number of ideal atoms. He means that even this type of aggregate will be finer than the fifth category. This may include dyads,