Verse 5.25 - The two divisions of the matter (pudgala)

Sanskrit text, Unicode transliteration and English translation of Tattvartha sūtra 5.25:

अणवः स्कन्धाश्च ॥ ५.२५ ॥

aṇavaḥ skandhāśca || 5.25 ||

The atoms (aṇu) and the molecules (skandha) are the two divisions of the matter (pudgala). (25)

Hindi Anvayarth:

अन्वयार्थ: पुद्गल द्रव्य [अणवः स्कन्धाः च] अणु और स्कन्ध के भेद से दो प्रकार के हैं।

Anvayartha: pudgala dravya [anavah skandhah ca] anu aura skandha ke bheda se do prakara ke haim |

Explanation in English from Ācārya Pūjyapāda’s Sarvārthasiddhi:

The divisions of the matter (pudgala) are mentioned next.

That which occupies one space-point (pradeśa) and possesses the capacity to produce the modes of touch, taste, etc., is called the atom (aṇu). Since the atom (aṇu) occupies just one space-point (pradeśa), it is the smallest unit of the matter (pudgala); hence the name ‘aṇu’. Because of its minuteness, it is the beginning, the middle and the end. It has been said in the Scriptures, “The atom is itself the beginning, the middle and the end. That indivisible substance (dravya) which cannot be perceived by the senses is the atom (aṇu, paramāṇu).”

The collections of atoms which, in their gross state, can be taken by the hand and handled are the molecules (skandha). Conventionally, if action is present in a few instances, by synecdoche it can be extended to other versions too. Hence, the word ‘molecule’ (skandha) also applies to molecules consisting of two or more atoms, which cannot be so handled. Though the matter (pudgala) has infinite subclasses, still it is divided into two main classes, atoms (aṇu) and molecules (skandha). The plural is used in the sūtra to indicate the infinite subclasses of matter that subsist on these two main classes. In this sūtra the two terms ‘aṇu’ and ‘skandha’ are mentioned separately, without being combined into a compound, to indicate their connection with the two previous sūtra. The atoms are characterized by touch (sparśa), taste (rasa), smell (gandha) and colour (varṇa). Molecules, however, are characterized by sound (śabda), union (bandha), fineness (sukṣmatva), grossness (sthūlatva), shape (saṃsthāna), division (bheda), darkness (andhakāra), image/shadow (chāyā), warm light (ātapa) and cool light (udyota), besides, of course, by touch, taste, smell and colour.