Jainism is perhaps the most scientific way of life/philosophy prevelant during ancient Indian civilization. Basically a nontheistic (see first article on Blog) tradition, it has put forward radical principles like non-absolutism, syadvada, classification of living beings, etc. in a very logical & scientific way. Jainism provides a great insight into atomic and matter physics as well. Atomic Science & classification of matter is explained in great details in Jain Agamas. The Tattvarthadhigam Sutra (Insight Into the Meaning of Matter) has several shlokas on the topic of matter (dravyas). Some salient features of Tattvarthadhigam Sutra are:
- The 1st ever written complete text book of science.
- Written by: Arya Umasvati in 1st Century A.D.
- It describes atom & sub-atomic particles 5/25
- Explains fission and fusion 5/26
- Gives a detail account of Origin, Cessation & Persistence 5/28
- It says: “Matter is eternal, but it changes”
The chart of matter, thus, derived from Tattvartha Sutra & other Jain Agamas can be drawn as below:
Thus, we see that how definitely matter has been classified at that time. What is most surprising is that without any scientific laboratory or any other reference material, it has been explained. It shows the height of mental ability of Jain philosophers. It has been already stated that matter is indestructible but it flows from one form to another. Thus, we can deduce from this chart that solids/liquids or for that any matter is convertible to light or other form of energy (E=mc2 !!!). Mass & light are interconvertible is proved by Einstein. Who knows in future that such interconvertibilty is proven in case of sound energy as well !!!
Thus,
->Matter and Energy: one and the same and thus INTERCONVERTIBLE
->Energy is neither generated nor destroyed
->Einstein in 20th century: Mahavira 25 centuries ago.
So, more research must be taken in this field. Mankind's many hidden principles can be extracted from Jain Agamas.
In next article, we will discuss the unique principle of non-absolutism or Anekantavada.
There are many more facts man...take in consideration syadvaad as well. U ll have more facts and a better understanding. Dont tkae it in a way that i doubt ur understanding.
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