Concept of Matter in Jaina Philosophy

SR No.: 001663
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: J C Sikdar
Publisher: P V Research Institute Varanasi
Publication Year: 1987
Total Pages: 412
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Philosophy, & Physics
File Size: 23 MB

Page 196

Properties of Matter
161
belonging to earth is of three kinds, viz. hot, cold and neither hot nor cold, which are generated from chemical action. But the Jaina view is that there are eight kinds of touch which can be grouped into four divisions, as already pointed out, on the basis of their conception in the physical sciences.
These four specific qualities-colour, taste, smell and touch are possessed by both the earthly form of matter-eternal and non-eternal. But they are non-eternal in both the cases because of chemical action, unlike the qualities, belonging to the ultimate atoms of water, fire, and air. The Mimāṁsaka view on the properties of Matter is the same as they are found in the Nyāya-Vaišeşika Philosophy, for its very conception of Matter is based on the Nyāya-Vaišeșika doctrine of Matter.
PROPERTIES OF MATTER IN THE
BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY
As previously touched upon, the general property of Matter (Rūpa ) conceived in the Buddhist Philosophy is impenetrability ( sapratigha ), i. e. space occupied by one of the elements of Matter cannot be occupied by another at one and the same time.. In Jaina metaphysics paramāņu ( ultimate atom ) has been characterized by the property of impenetrability, besides the effects of Matter have been described as ghātaśarīra and aghātaśarsra (obstructive and unobstructive bodies). The ghātaśarsra ( obstructive body ) offers resistance to causes which tend to produce a change in its position, configuration or 1. Yam tam rūpam ajjhatthikam tam sappadigham. yas tam
rūpam bahiram, tam atthi sappatigham, atthi appatighamn, Dhamma Samgani, 3, Tikamātikā, pp. 151, 152, 156, 157; Yam tam rūpam saņdassanañ tam atthi sappatigham, atthi appatigham, Atthasālini, 4, 16, p. 244 - 245; Yam rūpam sappatigham tam atthi indriyam-Atthasālini 4.17, pp. 244-45.