Vaishali Institute Research Bulletin 7

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

Page 46

Jaina Theory of Skandhas or Molecules
triads etc. However, Jain 18 illustrates it by the current atomic constituents like neutrons etc. However, because of aggregate, it will be skandha or molecule in Jainological terms. This will be approximately 10-18 cm in size according to Yativrishabh-a size representing the current nuclear size.14 This suggests that Jain's illustration should be taken as meaningful. This, however, creates another problem in explaining the various properties of cannonical atoms to be discussed separately. Jain and Sikdarió have made a basic mistake in assuming the sixth category as atomic despite the “Khandha hu Chhappayara" statement of Kundkund. This should be rectified and the resultant discussion be modified accordingly.
Table 1. Various Classifications of Skandha or Molecules by Jainas No. Classes
Names Gross and Fine Skandha, Skandhdesa, Skandhapradesha Transformable by internal, external or mixed cause Gross-gross, Gross, Gross-fine, Fine-gross, Fine,
Fine-fine 23 23 Varganas (detailed later) 53016
With respect to five qualities as primary and secondary (detailed later)
in miť vio |
The second classification is based on matter in general where three out of four varieties should be Skandhas. Accordingly, the cannonical atom should be less than one-fourth the size of a skandha. Here, one is unable to guess about the meaning of skandha whether it is diatomic or polyatomic. If it is diatomic, the skandhdesa will be atomic and the third class will be sub-atomic. In other words, the cannonical atom should be divisible which seems undesirable. This suggests the Jain's illustrative equations of these terms are not correct. Javeri, 17 on the other hand, takes a real view of defining skandha with grosser bodies and the other terms being its conceptual divisions and skandha by themselves. The skandha pradesha, in this way will mean a single molecule of an element or compound consisting of number of atoms possessing the property of the skandha itself.
The other classifications have already been described elsewhere. They seem to be more philosophical than scientific.
Methods of Formation of Molecules or Skandhas
The formation of melecules takes place by combination or aggregation of atoms according to the theory of Bonding proposed by the Jainas and discussed elsewhere. 18 When small number of atoms combine, they