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JAIN PHILOSOPHY &MODERN SCIENCE
The Maximum Velocity of a Paramanu
The maximum velocity of a single unattached "paramanu' is very high.24 In a single instant or timepoint 'samaya', it can travel from the end of the easternmost part of this universe measuring 14 Rajjus, to the end of the westernmost part; from the end of the northernmost part to the end of the southernmost part; from the end of the northernmost part to the end of the uppermost part. In order to comprehend how great this velocity is, we have to explain the technical words used in the 'Agamas'. 'Samaya' is a peculiar word in Jain phraseology. It is the infinitesimal and indivisible unit of time or time-point just as a 'parmanu' is the indivisible unit of matter We can understand this roughly thus: in a single twinkling of our eye countless number of time-points have elapsed In that short space of time a 'paramanu' travels from the nethermost end of the unverse to the topmost end. From the use of the word universe, it may be imagined how great is the speed of a 'paramanu'.
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Let us elaborate this point According to Jain canons this whole universe from top to bottom measures 14 Rajjus. How large is a Rajju is gathered from the description in later books which is as follows:
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24 Bhagwati Sutra S 16-U 8
25 Von Glassnapp in "Der Jainisms".
