Jain Science and Spirituality
by Medhavi Jain | 2020 | 61,419 words
This essay studies the elements of Jainism and investigates how Jain science and philosophy can give the world answers to through science and spirituality. Instead of interpreting it as a confined, strict philosophy, it is shown that Jainism represents a path towards self-awakening through self-improvement....
5.3. Metaphysical nature of paramanu
savvesim khamdhanam jo tam viyana paramanu
so sassado asaddo ekko avibhagi muttibhavo
—(Pancastikaya 77)‘A paramanu occupies of only one pradesha (i.e. one space point), is the terminus of divisibility of matter, is by itself without beginning, end or middle, is destitute of sound and is coupled with the qualities of taste, touch, smell and color.’[1]
It can have only two touch qualities (thermal and electrical), and not all the eight. One may wonder, just like the paramanu, if there exists a realm in the cosmos, which has no beginning, middle and end.
nicco nanavakaso na savakaso padesado bhetta
khamdhanam pi ya katta pavihatta kalasamkhanam
—(Pancastikaya 80)‘It is indestructible and eternal, is responsible for the disruption of Skandhas by virtue of its segregation from them, is also substantial cause of them and can be used as the measure of time (samaya).’[2]
At a point it all appears to be an illusion; however, it is not.
‘Again, it is devoid of sound, but is the cause of sound; i.e. the combination of atoms may produce sound when they strike against other aggregates of atoms.’[3]
The atom appears to be a movie’s producer, who is the cause of it, invests in it but stays behind the scenes. The actors get name and fame, but the main operator remains the producer.
Footnotes and references:
[2]:
Panchastikaya. Sutra: 80. English translation from EDJ. pp. 25
[3]:
Panchastikaya. Sutra: 79. English translation from EDJ. pp. 25, 26