Gyan Sagar Science FoundationGyan Sagar Science FoundationInternational Science Symposium, January’10International Science Symposium, January’10

Cosmology – Jainism & ScientismCosmology – Jainism & Scientism

A ComparisonA Comparison

Presented By –Presented By –

Er. Piyush JainEr. Piyush Jain

What is Universe? What is Universe?

What is Universe? – Contd.What is Universe? – Contd.

Both Jains & Science agree Both Jains & Science agree that the that the loklok or universe can or universe can be defined by the presence be defined by the presence

of of matterealsmattereals ( (dravyadravya) or ) or matter/energy. matter/energy.

Creation of UniverseCreation of Universe According to Jain belief, According to Jain belief,

the universethe universe ( (LOKLOK) was ) was never creatednever created, , nor will it nor will it ever cease to exist. ever cease to exist.

LOK has a permanent LOK has a permanent finite boundary, well finite boundary, well defined by the presence defined by the presence of two of the six of two of the six matterealsmattereals(Dravyas)(Dravyas) – – Dharmastikaya Dharmastikaya ((DynaonsDynaons) and ) and Adharmastikaya Adharmastikaya ((StatonsStatons). ).

According to science, According to science, the the universeuniverse was created was created with a with a big bangbig bang and is and is likely to end in a likely to end in a big big crunch or big chillcrunch or big chill..

Owing to the momentum Owing to the momentum of bang, it is expanding of bang, it is expanding into the infinite into the infinite emptiness. However, emptiness. However, according to science, according to science, universe is finite universe is finite but with but with inflating boundary.inflating boundary.

Constitution of UniverseConstitution of Universe Besides Dharmastikaya Besides Dharmastikaya

(Dynaons) and Adharmastikaya (Dynaons) and Adharmastikaya (Statons), other four (Statons), other four matterealsmattereals existing in the universe are existing in the universe are Space-timeSpace-time and and Jiva-PudgalJiva-Pudgal..

These four These four matterealsmattereals are are dynamic by way of transportation dynamic by way of transportation and transformation, which is the and transformation, which is the very basis of life.very basis of life.

Beyond this finite LOK, is the Beyond this finite LOK, is the infinite infinite ALOK, devoid of all the ALOK, devoid of all the six six matterealsmattereals..

It is full of lightest elements, like It is full of lightest elements, like hydrogen, helium and lithium. It hydrogen, helium and lithium. It has abundance of cold dark has abundance of cold dark matter – huge clouds of particles matter – huge clouds of particles that are detectable by their that are detectable by their gravitational effect only. gravitational effect only.

Empty space is not empty at all; Empty space is not empty at all; it is a seething cauldron of it is a seething cauldron of quantum field activities. quantum field activities.

Beyond our own universe, Beyond our own universe, existence of other universes is existence of other universes is not ruled out.not ruled out.

Constitution of Universe – Contd.Constitution of Universe – Contd. Six constituents of universe Six constituents of universe

form three pairs –form three pairs –1.1. Dharmastikaya (Dynaons) – Dharmastikaya (Dynaons) –

Helps motion Helps motion 2.2. Adharmastikaya (Statons) – Adharmastikaya (Statons) –

helps positionhelps position3.3. Akash – Space (Defines Akash – Space (Defines

extent) extent) 4.4. Samay – Time (Defines rate of Samay – Time (Defines rate of

change) change) 5.5. Jiva – Sentience or Jiva – Sentience or

Intelligence Intelligence 6.6. Pudgal – Energy(Sukshma) & Pudgal – Energy(Sukshma) &

Matter (Sthula)Matter (Sthula)

Constitution of the universe Constitution of the universe comprises of three Layers –comprises of three Layers –

1.1. first layer of reality is the first layer of reality is the observable universe of material observable universe of material objects. objects.

2.2. the second layer needs the second layer needs imagination. It is characterized by imagination. It is characterized by the ceaseless interplay of energy the ceaseless interplay of energy at microscopic level.at microscopic level.

3.3. the third layer emanates from the the third layer emanates from the fact that fact that somethingsomething keeps energy keeps energy as energy and particle as particle. as energy and particle as particle. Some force or more appropriately Some force or more appropriately some fields keep hold of objects some fields keep hold of objects as they are. Examples are – as they are. Examples are – gravitational, electromagnetic and gravitational, electromagnetic and nuclear fields etc. nuclear fields etc.

Extent of UniverseExtent of Universe As per Jain literatures, the As per Jain literatures, the

LOK is shaped like a man LOK is shaped like a man standing legs apart with arms standing legs apart with arms resting on waist. Its resting on waist. Its dimensions are –dimensions are –

Madhya Loka, at the centre of Madhya Loka, at the centre of the universe consists of 900 the universe consists of 900 yojans above and 900 yojans yojans above and 900 yojans below the joint surface (plane).below the joint surface (plane).

The height and width of Upper The height and width of Upper & Lower Lokas are 7 rajjus & Lower Lokas are 7 rajjus (innumerate yojanas). (innumerate yojanas).

The depiction is only two-The depiction is only two-dimensional, the third dimensional, the third dimension can be imagined as dimension can be imagined as if the entire structure is rotated if the entire structure is rotated once along its vertical axis. once along its vertical axis.

Boundaries, extent and shape Boundaries, extent and shape is not known to scientists as on is not known to scientists as on today.today.

Universe is known to have a Universe is known to have a beginning around 14 billion beginning around 14 billion years back.years back.

Universe is made up of billions Universe is made up of billions of galaxies and each galaxy of galaxies and each galaxy may have 400-500 billion may have 400-500 billion stars.stars.

Laws of UniverseLaws of Universe Activities of Activities of LOKLOK are so are so

spontaneous that it is not spontaneous that it is not created by anybody created by anybody (GOD). (GOD). LOKLOK, therefore, , therefore, possesses possesses Default Default IntelligenceIntelligence and not and not Designed IntelligenceDesigned Intelligence..

Time is endless and Time is endless and beginingless. It is divided beginingless. It is divided into cycles of Utsarpinis into cycles of Utsarpinis (Progressive Time Cycle) (Progressive Time Cycle) and Avsarpinis and Avsarpinis (Regressive Time Cycle). (Regressive Time Cycle).

““God is left with God is left with nothing to do, as the nothing to do, as the disciplined Nature is disciplined Nature is governed by its own governed by its own laws and principles”laws and principles” - - ScienceScience

Time began with the big Time began with the big bang. Even if time existed bang. Even if time existed before the creation of before the creation of universe, it is of no universe, it is of no relevance in the realm of relevance in the realm of science.science.

Chronology of CosmologyChronology of Cosmology In the journey of millions of years by the mankind, the first milestone In the journey of millions of years by the mankind, the first milestone

reached only in reached only in 1514AD, when Copernicus1514AD, when Copernicus proposed that it was proposed that it was earth which is circling around the sun and not the other way round.earth which is circling around the sun and not the other way round.

In the year 1609, almost 100 years later, Galileo confirmed it. In the year 1609, almost 100 years later, Galileo confirmed it. First First factfact was thus established - was thus established -

““the orbits of our solar system, were sun-centric and not geo-the orbits of our solar system, were sun-centric and not geo-centric.”centric.”

Chronology of Cosmology-Contd.Chronology of Cosmology-Contd. Around the year 1687, an idea was mooted by Sir Newton about Around the year 1687, an idea was mooted by Sir Newton about

having an infinite static universe. But his own theory of gravitation having an infinite static universe. But his own theory of gravitation contradicted it. Owing to the gravitational force, the stars in static contradicted it. Owing to the gravitational force, the stars in static universe will fall into one another and the universe would have universe will fall into one another and the universe would have collapsed.collapsed.

After another 100 years, in the middle of nineteenth century the idea After another 100 years, in the middle of nineteenth century the idea of eternal universe was discarded by scientific fraternity. Had the of eternal universe was discarded by scientific fraternity. Had the stars around us were shinning since infinite time, rays from all the stars around us were shinning since infinite time, rays from all the stars would have reached us by now and the earth would have stars would have reached us by now and the earth would have received so much of energy that it would have been blown up by received so much of energy that it would have been blown up by now. By the same argument all the other cosmic bodies too would now. By the same argument all the other cosmic bodies too would be infinitely heated up. be infinitely heated up. This established the second fact – This established the second fact –

““the Universe had a beginning.”the Universe had a beginning.”

Chronology of Cosmology-Contd.Chronology of Cosmology-Contd. Next milestone in this journey came relatively faster in the year Next milestone in this journey came relatively faster in the year

1929. This only confirmed the fact that the universe had beginning. 1929. This only confirmed the fact that the universe had beginning. Edwin Hubble observed that the cosmos is expanding as the Edwin Hubble observed that the cosmos is expanding as the galaxies are rocketing away from each other. This established the galaxies are rocketing away from each other. This established the third factthird fact – –

““the Universe is expanding.”the Universe is expanding.”

The immediate conclusion was that these galaxies were near to The immediate conclusion was that these galaxies were near to each other sometime in past. In fact, so near to each other that the each other sometime in past. In fact, so near to each other that the universe occupied near zero space and possessed near infinite universe occupied near zero space and possessed near infinite density. This established the density. This established the fourth factfourth fact – –

““the Universe started with Big Bang.”the Universe started with Big Bang.”

Birth of Universe-The Big BangBirth of Universe-The Big Bang

What Banged?What Banged? A Ball of fire having almost infinite temperature and A Ball of fire having almost infinite temperature and

which was a one hundred millionth of a billionth the which was a one hundred millionth of a billionth the size of a proton, which itself is one thousand billionth size of a proton, which itself is one thousand billionth the size of a grain of sand.the size of a grain of sand.

Nascent UniverseNascent Universe

Within a fraction of a second, four fundamental Within a fraction of a second, four fundamental forces – gravity, electromagnetic, strong and forces – gravity, electromagnetic, strong and weak nuclear forces were created.weak nuclear forces were created.

Child UniverseChild Universe

By one second, the temp had fallen to ten billion By one second, the temp had fallen to ten billion degrees and universe became a giant thermonuclear degrees and universe became a giant thermonuclear reactor.reactor.

Within first few minutes, the light atomic elements – Within first few minutes, the light atomic elements – H & He – were produced.H & He – were produced.

Adolescent UniverseAdolescent Universe

For more than a million years, universe kept on For more than a million years, universe kept on expanding silently till the temperatures fell to a few expanding silently till the temperatures fell to a few thousand degrees.thousand degrees.

At this point the electrons and nuclei had not enough At this point the electrons and nuclei had not enough energy to overcome the electromagnetic attraction. They energy to overcome the electromagnetic attraction. They thus started combining to form atoms.thus started combining to form atoms.

Adult UniverseAdult Universe

About 100 million years after the birth, the first About 100 million years after the birth, the first star might have started shining.star might have started shining.

Now, around 14 billion years later, the universe Now, around 14 billion years later, the universe comprises uncountable stars, black holes, dark comprises uncountable stars, black holes, dark matter and dark energy.matter and dark energy.

Death of Universe - IDeath of Universe - I

If the universe does not have enough matter within it, then the If the universe does not have enough matter within it, then the gravitation generated by matter would be too weak to stop the gravitation generated by matter would be too weak to stop the universe from growing. This would cause the universe to expand universe from growing. This would cause the universe to expand forever and the galaxies would get dimmer and dimmer. The stars forever and the galaxies would get dimmer and dimmer. The stars would inevitably exhaust their nuclear fuel and their light would would inevitably exhaust their nuclear fuel and their light would eventually extinguish. The universe would thus end up having no eventually extinguish. The universe would thus end up having no light and no heat -- the state of light and no heat -- the state of Big ChillBig Chill. .

Death of Universe - IIDeath of Universe - II

On the other hand, if the universe contains sufficient matter, the On the other hand, if the universe contains sufficient matter, the gravitational attraction of the matter would be strong enough to slow gravitational attraction of the matter would be strong enough to slow down the expansion until the universe began to shrink. The down the expansion until the universe began to shrink. The temperature and matter density would get higher and higher, just temperature and matter density would get higher and higher, just like the Big Bang in reverse. The universe would eventually end in a like the Big Bang in reverse. The universe would eventually end in a Big Crunch. Big Crunch. Afterwards the universe might restart itself with another Afterwards the universe might restart itself with another Big Bang. Big Bang.

Evidence-1 of the Big-BangEvidence-1 of the Big-Bang 1929 – Edwin Hubble 1929 – Edwin Hubble

discovered that the universe is discovered that the universe is not static but not static but undergoing undergoing dynamic expansion. dynamic expansion. He used He used the Hooker Telescope for his the Hooker Telescope for his observations.observations.

His conclusions are irrefutable His conclusions are irrefutable as the red shift in the colour as the red shift in the colour spectra of distant galaxies is spectra of distant galaxies is established beyond doubt.established beyond doubt.

Farther the galaxy, faster is the Farther the galaxy, faster is the rate of recede. rate of recede.

Evidence-2 of the Big-BangEvidence-2 of the Big-Bang

1990 – Hubble’s Telescope - Installed in space, away from the 1990 – Hubble’s Telescope - Installed in space, away from the disturbances of the earth’s atmospheric interferences, RFIs & EMIs.disturbances of the earth’s atmospheric interferences, RFIs & EMIs.

It established the presence of black holes and provided a solid It established the presence of black holes and provided a solid evidence that the mass-energy of tens of billions of galaxies can be evidence that the mass-energy of tens of billions of galaxies can be packed into a small space. packed into a small space.

Extrapolating, it means that infinite energy can exist in a highly Extrapolating, it means that infinite energy can exist in a highly dense near zero space.dense near zero space.

Evidence-3 of the Big-BangEvidence-3 of the Big-Bang

1989 – COBE Satellite – Cosmic Background Explorer1989 – COBE Satellite – Cosmic Background Explorer The mission was meant to detect the after-glow left by the big-bang. Every The mission was meant to detect the after-glow left by the big-bang. Every

hot body emanates radiations and so did the original fire-ball. It was hot body emanates radiations and so did the original fire-ball. It was presumed that this after-glow can be detected though it has cooled down presumed that this after-glow can be detected though it has cooled down significantly.significantly.

Data obtained so far match with the mathematical calculations and the Data obtained so far match with the mathematical calculations and the temperature of Background radiation has been found to be around 2.7temperature of Background radiation has been found to be around 2.7ºKºK above absolute zero.above absolute zero.

Evidence-4 of the Big-BangEvidence-4 of the Big-Bang

1960 – Particle Accelerators have been able to generate near 1960 – Particle Accelerators have been able to generate near big-bang temperatures of trillions of degrees by accelerating big-bang temperatures of trillions of degrees by accelerating electrons and other lighter particles to extremely high electrons and other lighter particles to extremely high energies of up to 2GeV.energies of up to 2GeV.

By 2020 it is expected that the linear accelerators up to 40km By 2020 it is expected that the linear accelerators up to 40km long will enable laboratory simulation of black-holes. Hadron long will enable laboratory simulation of black-holes. Hadron Collider is already a step forward.Collider is already a step forward.

Cosmos of ScienceCosmos of Science To sum up – the present cosmological picture To sum up – the present cosmological picture

painted by scientists is as followspainted by scientists is as follows::

Age of the universe is around 14 billion years and it is by and Age of the universe is around 14 billion years and it is by and large homogeneous.large homogeneous.

It is full of lightest elements, like hydrogen, helium and lithium.It is full of lightest elements, like hydrogen, helium and lithium. It has abundance of cold dark matter – huge clouds of particles It has abundance of cold dark matter – huge clouds of particles

that are detectable by their gravitational effect only. (This finding that are detectable by their gravitational effect only. (This finding is astonishingly close to Jain philosophy of Tamas-kaya & is astonishingly close to Jain philosophy of Tamas-kaya & Krishna-rajji.)Krishna-rajji.)

Within a fraction of a second, the universe inflated at a Within a fraction of a second, the universe inflated at a tremendously accelerated rate breaking the GUT (Great tremendously accelerated rate breaking the GUT (Great Unification Theory) symmetry, simultaneously releasing burst of Unification Theory) symmetry, simultaneously releasing burst of radiation.radiation.

Soon after inflation, the regions of high density were acted upon Soon after inflation, the regions of high density were acted upon by the cold dark matter to form the galaxies.by the cold dark matter to form the galaxies.

Unanswered QuestionsUnanswered Questions

What banged?What banged?Why banged?Why banged?Where banged?Where banged?Where from it came?Where from it came?Where is the centre of Universe?Where is the centre of Universe?What is the extent/boundary of Universe?What is the extent/boundary of Universe?What before bang?What before bang?

Big-Bang OR Big-HumbugBig-Bang OR Big-Humbug To the presenter, the entire idea of such a To the presenter, the entire idea of such a

massive universe emanating out of an massive universe emanating out of an infinitesimally small ball of fire is preposterous. infinitesimally small ball of fire is preposterous. Based on the serious findings of some dedicated Based on the serious findings of some dedicated scientists, another group of scientists have scientists, another group of scientists have prepared a commercial caricature named – Big prepared a commercial caricature named – Big Bang.Bang.

There are some basic flaws in this theory which There are some basic flaws in this theory which every advocate of Big-Bang is trying to hide every advocate of Big-Bang is trying to hide under carpet - under carpet -

Big-Bang OR A Big-HumbugBig-Bang OR A Big-Humbug1.1. The entire hypothesis began with the Hubble’s The entire hypothesis began with the Hubble’s

discovery of galaxies moving apart. This still remains discovery of galaxies moving apart. This still remains the strongest argument. They immediately the strongest argument. They immediately extrapolated that the galaxies were closely bound at extrapolated that the galaxies were closely bound at one point of time!one point of time!

2.2. Again, they found the radiation temperature to be Again, they found the radiation temperature to be around 3around 3ºK, lo and behold, immediately some ºK, lo and behold, immediately some mathematicians came forward and calculated mathematicians came forward and calculated thousands of billions of temperature at the time of big-thousands of billions of temperature at the time of big-bang some 14 billion years back!bang some 14 billion years back!

3.3. In their enthusiasm of proving a glamorous thought In their enthusiasm of proving a glamorous thought right, they overlooked several other explanations which right, they overlooked several other explanations which can be used by the physicists for the aforesaid can be used by the physicists for the aforesaid observations -observations -

Big-Bang OR Big-HumbugBig-Bang OR Big-HumbugWhat could then be the possible explanations? The What could then be the possible explanations? The presenter has a few suggestions –presenter has a few suggestions –

1.1. The accelerated recede of galaxies could be due to the The accelerated recede of galaxies could be due to the pressure gradient existing between the matter of pressure gradient existing between the matter of universe and void emptiness outside. It could be universe and void emptiness outside. It could be understood by an analogy of a balloon which can be understood by an analogy of a balloon which can be inflated either by pumping air inside or creating inflated either by pumping air inside or creating vacuum outside.vacuum outside.

2.2. The extent of universe is so vast, even the tangential The extent of universe is so vast, even the tangential movement cannot be distinguished from the radial movement cannot be distinguished from the radial movement.movement.

Big-Bang OR Big-HumbugBig-Bang OR Big-HumbugThe phenomenon of recede can be explained using an analogy of The phenomenon of recede can be explained using an analogy of a cloud formation –a cloud formation –

1.1. The basic raw material, the water vapours are always present but The basic raw material, the water vapours are always present but when their concentration increases they form a cloud and the when their concentration increases they form a cloud and the winds immediately start moving them.winds immediately start moving them.

2.2. A similar process is possible for galaxy formation also. The basic A similar process is possible for galaxy formation also. The basic raw material, call it dark matter/energy or pudgal, is always raw material, call it dark matter/energy or pudgal, is always available. Due to various high-energy activities like supernova, available. Due to various high-energy activities like supernova, gamma-ray bursts or black-hole formation, favourable conditions gamma-ray bursts or black-hole formation, favourable conditions are produced for galaxy formation. Such a formation immediately are produced for galaxy formation. Such a formation immediately start moving owing to the underlying gravitational field.start moving owing to the underlying gravitational field.

Big-Bang OR Big-HumbugBig-Bang OR Big-HumbugSimilarly, there are other possible explanations for Similarly, there are other possible explanations for COBE observations –COBE observations –

1.1. As there are trillions of stars all around us, it is but As there are trillions of stars all around us, it is but natural that radiations received by us are natural that radiations received by us are homogeneous.homogeneous.

2.2. Also, a near 3Also, a near 3ººK temperature of background radiation K temperature of background radiation simply means that the entire material activities of the simply means that the entire material activities of the universe are not able to produce enough heat as universe are not able to produce enough heat as compared to the vast volume involved. There is no compared to the vast volume involved. There is no need to go back in time and presume that a hot fire need to go back in time and presume that a hot fire ball has gone cold.ball has gone cold.

Logical Trends in JainismLogical Trends in Jainism We have, so far, travelled a journey back in time We have, so far, travelled a journey back in time

riding on the scientific vehicle. Presenter, riding on the scientific vehicle. Presenter, personally, has an intuition that this journey in personally, has an intuition that this journey in scientific realm will soon change its course and scientific realm will soon change its course and incline towards the spiritual and philosophical incline towards the spiritual and philosophical ponderings of Jainism. ponderings of Jainism.

We shall now embark upon the journey on the We shall now embark upon the journey on the road paved by Lord Mahavira and try to unravel road paved by Lord Mahavira and try to unravel the realities of micro and macrocosm.the realities of micro and macrocosm.

Jain – Cosmic GeographyJain – Cosmic Geography The sidhha kshetra or moksha is situated at The sidhha kshetra or moksha is situated at

the symbolic forehead of the creation, where the symbolic forehead of the creation, where all the jivas having attained nirvana reside in all the jivas having attained nirvana reside in a state of complete peace and eternal a state of complete peace and eternal happiness.happiness.

The Dev- Lokas (Heavens) are situated at The Dev- Lokas (Heavens) are situated at the symbolic chest part of the Creation, the symbolic chest part of the Creation, where all the Devas (demi gods) reside.where all the Devas (demi gods) reside.

The narrow waist part acts as place of The narrow waist part acts as place of 'vicharan' (roaming) for humans, animals 'vicharan' (roaming) for humans, animals and plants. We are in the Bharat Kshetra of and plants. We are in the Bharat Kshetra of 'Jambu Dwip'.'Jambu Dwip'.

Beneath the waist part are the seven Narka Beneath the waist part are the seven Narka Lokas (Hells), each for a varying degree of Lokas (Hells), each for a varying degree of suffering a suffering a jivajiva has to undergo to face the has to undergo to face the consequences of its consequences of its pap-karmapap-karma (sins). (sins).

Outside the symbolic figure of this creation Outside the symbolic figure of this creation nothing but void nothing but void alokalok exists. exists.

Jain - Time CycleJain - Time Cycle

Jain – Kaal Chakra - ContinuumJain – Kaal Chakra - Continuum

1.1. Suṣama-suṣamā (Blissful)Suṣama-suṣamā (Blissful)

2.2. Suṣamā(Suṣamā(Pleasurable)Pleasurable)

3.3. Suṣama-duḥṣamāSuṣama-duḥṣamā (Poignant)(Poignant)

4.4. Duḥṣama-suṣamā (Agonizing)Duḥṣama-suṣamā (Agonizing)

5.5. Duḥṣama (Miserable)Duḥṣama (Miserable)

6.6. Duḥṣama- duḥṣam (Distressing)Duḥṣama- duḥṣam (Distressing)

Jain – Time scaleJain – Time scale Smallest unit of time is ‘one Smallest unit of time is ‘one

samay’samay’ Infinite samay constitute one Infinite samay constitute one

‘avalika’.‘avalika’. One lakh avalika constitute One lakh avalika constitute

‘one second’.‘one second’. Time units builds to ghadi, Time units builds to ghadi,

paksha, rutus, yuga, century, paksha, rutus, yuga, century, purvaanga, purva, palyopama purvaanga, purva, palyopama and sagaropama.and sagaropama.

Entire time-cycle is supposed Entire time-cycle is supposed to be constituted of 20,000 to be constituted of 20,000 trillion ‘Sagaropama’.trillion ‘Sagaropama’.

Time-Cycle (Suggestion)Time-Cycle (Suggestion) The Jain canons state that the The Jain canons state that the

events repeat themselves. events repeat themselves. Therefore, scientifically, the time Therefore, scientifically, the time cycle should be depicted in the cycle should be depicted in the form of a pendulum trajectory in form of a pendulum trajectory in which the area covered retraces which the area covered retraces the space-time.the space-time.

In circular depiction, space-time is In circular depiction, space-time is different in Utsarpini and different in Utsarpini and Avsarpani cycles.Avsarpani cycles.

This suggestion of the author This suggestion of the author needs careful investigations so needs careful investigations so that the anomalies, if any, in the that the anomalies, if any, in the interpretation can be removed.interpretation can be removed.

Unanswered QuestionsUnanswered Questions

Why everything in finite LOK is infinite?Why everything in finite LOK is infinite?What makes Lok stand upright?What makes Lok stand upright?Why there is no mention of stars being Why there is no mention of stars being

balls of intense fire?balls of intense fire?Why there is no mention of galaxies?Why there is no mention of galaxies?Why the earth (Jambu Dwip) is said to be Why the earth (Jambu Dwip) is said to be

like a saucer and not a sphere?like a saucer and not a sphere?

Grand UnificationGrand Unification The purpose of this exercise is to establish a link The purpose of this exercise is to establish a link

between Jainism & science by studying the concept of between Jainism & science by studying the concept of cosmos and laws of nature.cosmos and laws of nature.

In view of the author, who has undergone the rigours of In view of the author, who has undergone the rigours of Jainism and Science during the English translation of a Jainism and Science during the English translation of a book published under the title of “Jain Studies & book published under the title of “Jain Studies & Science” Lord Mahavira was the greatest Science” Lord Mahavira was the greatest scientist scientist whose whose laboratory was HIS mind and soul.laboratory was HIS mind and soul.

Though various tenets of Jainism are proved to be Though various tenets of Jainism are proved to be scientific, this particular context of cosmology provides scientific, this particular context of cosmology provides the author a great opportunity of Grand Unification the author a great opportunity of Grand Unification between science and Jainism. Their respective between science and Jainism. Their respective concurrent conclusions, in the author’s view are –concurrent conclusions, in the author’s view are –

Meeting GroundsMeeting Grounds Both state the finite extent of universe. Any infinite extent will Both state the finite extent of universe. Any infinite extent will

reduce the density to zero.reduce the density to zero.

Jainism and quantum physics agree that within the universe Jainism and quantum physics agree that within the universe there is no empty space. While science says that the fields are there is no empty space. While science says that the fields are all pervading, Jainism says that the dynons & statons are all pervading, Jainism says that the dynons & statons are omnipresent in the universe. Both agree that a seamless fabric omnipresent in the universe. Both agree that a seamless fabric is woven to support the entire gamut of activities.is woven to support the entire gamut of activities.

Science says that the energy and mass are mutually Science says that the energy and mass are mutually convertible. Jainism postulates that the energy is Shukshma convertible. Jainism postulates that the energy is Shukshma Pudgal while mass is Sthula Pudgal, thereby implying that the Pudgal while mass is Sthula Pudgal, thereby implying that the both have same constituents differing only in magnitudes.both have same constituents differing only in magnitudes.

Last but not the least – both agree that:Last but not the least – both agree that:

““GOD has not created the Nature but Nature is GOD has not created the Nature but Nature is constantly working to create a GOD”constantly working to create a GOD”

ConclusionConclusion Jainism says that the soul is eternal and it can Jainism says that the soul is eternal and it can

attain its pristine form of being a GOD through the attain its pristine form of being a GOD through the process of refinement.process of refinement.

Science says that the longevity of physical body Science says that the longevity of physical body can be enhanced. Medical science today is can be enhanced. Medical science today is constantly endeavouring to make the life healthy, constantly endeavouring to make the life healthy, happy and hopefully eternal.happy and hopefully eternal.

An astounding possibility thus arises – An astounding possibility thus arises – “to have an “to have an eternal soul residing in a body which lives healthy eternal soul residing in a body which lives healthy ever after, till it is liberated through right karmas.”ever after, till it is liberated through right karmas.”