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
form sense-imperceptible molecules. When many atoms or molecules combine, they form gross molecules. It is stated in literature that combination takes place by three methods : 19
(i) By division or dissociation of molecules of bigger size to
smaller ones. (ii) By association or sharing of atoms together (iii) By a mixed process of association and dissociation.
The dissociation may take place by internal or external causes as in radioactivity or process of ionisation. We also know today that it may also take place thermally, by application of pressure or bombardment. It is said that these methods are akin to the three types of valency or bonding of current science subject to certain modified version of traditional opinions.
Umaswami and Pujyapad20 have pointed out that sense-perceptible molecules are formed by the mixed method of association and dissociation. The latter has illustrated this point by saying that a fine molecule may be split and its parts may combine with other bigger molecules to form a gross molecules. However, Shastri 21 has raised a point whether Umaswami's aphorism should mean a mixed process or two individual processes. Grammatically, the dual number in the aphorism should mean two processes rather than a single one; otherwise, there should be singular number in the aphorism. There must be some specific aim in this composition the commentarians have not elaborated. However, it is quite common to have visible molecules by combination of atoms or fine skandhas. Shastri seems right to seek how division as a single process can yield gross molecules. There are, however, a number of examples today to prove this. Sulphur dioxide or Carbon dioxide are cannonically invisible gases and they, on thermal or electrical decomposition, give solid visible sulphur or carbon skandhas. Jain22 has exemplified these processes by formation of hydrochloric acid and ionisation of air representing combination and division respectively. Hence, visible skandhas are formed bothways and the corresponding aphorism should mean two individual processes. Howcver, examples of molecular formation by combination of the two processes are also available. Thus, aphorism “Bhed - Samghatebhyah Utpadyate". This point requires closer examination. Conditions for Formation of Skandhas or Molecules
Normally, the various types of motions of the molecule-forming atoms are elastic in nature. They are not only irregular but they are non-bonding also. This poses a problem as to how the bonding takes