Ritual

Atoms
The atomic hypothesis of the Nyaya-Vaiseshika explains the
properties of matter and the nature of atoms and molecules. The
atom, in Sanskrit arm, is invisible and intangible, but is called
paramanu when it assumes a state of tangibility. The
paramanu, or the smallest possible dimension of an elementary
particle, is generally calculated as between 1/1,000,000 and
1/349,525 of an inch. Aggregations of atoms produce the
molecule, or 'sthula bhutani', which produces the visible universe.
Four kinds of atom arc distinguished in the Vaiseshika system, each
possessing certain characteristic properties such as number,
quantity, individuality, mass, gravity, fluidity, velocity, and
certain potentials of sense stimuli. The four types correspond to the
grosser matter of material phenomena: earth, water, fire and air.
(The other, fifth, element, ether or space, is considered to be nonatomic
in structure, serving only as a receptacle of sound.)
Spherical in shape, atoms have a characteristically vibratory or
rotary motion. Atoms have an inherent impulse to unite to form
molecules, and as long as they are not subject to the influence of
corpuscles of heat, atoms of the same elementary substance unite to
form homogeneous binary molecules. Under the impulse of their
basic tendency to unite into larger aggregates, binary molecules
then combine to form ternary and quarternary molecules. In this
way the variety of substances belonging to the same element class
results from the molecular combination and configuration of
atoms of that element. On the other hand, polybhautic compounds
are formed by the union of atoms of heterogeneous substances
belonging to the various classes of bhutas or gross matter.
The atomic theory of the Jaina system offers an interesting
hypothesis about the formation of chemical combinations.
According to this theory (c. AD 40), mere contact between two
atoms or molecules is not sufficient to produce a compound. Such
composition is, rather, based on an interlinking which must
precede the compound's formation. This interlinking can only
take place between two particles of opposing character, though no
linking is possible if the opposing qualities are feeble or defective.
On the other hand, particles of homogeneous quality can only
unite to form molecules if the strength and intensity of one particle
is at least twice as great as the other's. This linking forms the basis of
all qualitative transformations in atoms. This view is very like the
dualistic hypothesis of chemical combination propounded by the
Swedish chemist Berzelius.
Payodhi-jala, the Primordial
Waters. The force of the manifested
universe, whether primordial water
or primordial atoms, is the source of
all being. Rajasthan, c. 18th
century. Gouache on paper.
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