Scientific Contents in Prakrta Canons

SR No.: 001670
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: N L Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith
Publication Year: 1996
Total Pages: 608
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Science, & Religion
File Size: 9 MB

Page 514

492 : Scientific Contents in Prākrta Canons
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19. Shapes of Vagina 3 20. Volitional qualities Many studied 21. Structural details External 22. Classification External similari-
ties, qualities.
Details not available Internal, finer External/Internal qualities.
Jain34 has shown that the Jaina Yojana should be taken as equal to 6664 kms. ( app. 4000 miles ) leading to a value of innumerable as a number high above 1017. If calculations are done on this basis, many more astronomical quantitative statements may be obtained in comparison to current values. These differences can not be ignored on literary grounds as a quality of language to depict excessively. They must be rationalised to be reasonably intelligible.
Under these circumstances, it is very difficult to make any comments except to suggest that the situation regarding canonical contents about the world of mobiles needs deeper studies and clarification to trace out the cause of these differences. The present scientific mind has been going very touchy about religion because of the discrepancies being discovered due to newer scientific investigation. This situation can be rationalised, at present, by assuming that the canonical contents belong to an ancient or medieval pre-instrumental and not too rigorous mathematical era when similar postulates are found in many parts of the world. It must, however, be admitted that the Jaina details are comparatively ahead of the times they represent. And as such, they form one of the milestones in the history of science. They should not form part of integrated religion which makes these details as a matter of faith rather than intellectual and experimental observations.
Reference 1. Virasena : Dhavalā-1, J. S. S. Sangha, Sholapur, 1986, p.
226.