Agam Me Sukshma Jivo Ki Vaigyanik Vyakhya

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Agam me Sukshma Jivo ki Vaigyanik Vyakhya" by Chandanraj Mehta:

This Jain text, "Agam me Sukshma Jivo ki Vaigyanik Vyakhya" (Scientific Explanation of Subtle Beings in the Agamas) by Chandanraj Mehta, explores the Jain cosmological concept of subtle beings (Sukshma Jiva) as described in the Jain Agamas, and draws parallels with modern scientific understanding.

The book begins by categorizing living beings in Jainism into two main types: Trasa (Movable) and Sthavara (Immovable). Trasa beings are those capable of locomotion, driven by the desire for happiness and avoidance of suffering. This category includes all beings with two or more senses. Sthavara beings lack the capacity for deliberate locomotion. The text then specifies that beings with one sense are Sthavara and comprise Earth beings (Prithvi Kayika), Water beings (Apas Kayika), Fire beings (Tejus Kayika), Air beings (Vayu Kayika), and Plant beings (Vanaspatik Kayika). The classification of Trasa and Sthavara encompasses all creatures in the universe.

The author further distinguishes between Badara (Gross) and Sukshma (Subtle) beings. Gross beings are those visible to the eye, while subtle beings are not. The Agamas describe six categories of beings, referred to as Jiva Nikaya. Each "kaya" signifies a body. The text elaborates on each category:

• Prithvi Kayika (Earth Beings): These are beings whose bodies are earth. This includes various forms like soil, gems (diamond, emerald), coal, gold, silver, and more. Even a small clod of earth contains innumerable beings that maintain their individual existence despite living together.
• Apas Kayika (Water Beings): Beings whose bodies are water.
• Tejus Kayika (Fire Beings): Beings whose bodies are fire.
• Vayu Kayika (Air Beings): Beings whose bodies are air.
• Vanaspatik Kayika (Plant Beings): Beings whose bodies are plants. This category is further divided into:
  • Pratyeka Vanaspati (Individual Plants): Each body contains a single soul. While many beings can depend on one plant, they have independent existence.
  • Sadharana Vanaspati (Communal Plants): A single body contains an infinite number of souls. Examples include mosses, roots, and tubers.

The text then emphasizes the convergence of ancient Agama teachings with modern scientific discoveries regarding subtle organisms. It highlights that the scientific findings, arrived at through research, closely align with what has been believed and taught in the Agamas for millennia.

The author dedicates a significant portion to the scientific explanation of subtle beings within the soil (Prithvi), which is presented as a crucial component of the environment. Soil is formed from the weathering of rocks and contains sand particles, minerals, salts, organic matter, water, air, and larger organisms like earthworms. Crucially, it hosts countless subtle organisms such as bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, and algae. These microorganisms play a vital role in making soil fertile. The text asserts that the number of organisms within the soil significantly surpasses those living on its surface.

A key distinction is made between soil and rock powder: soil contains a dynamic population of subtle organisms, whereas rock powder lacks them entirely. The text notes that plant roots influence the growth of soil microorganisms, leading to increased microbial activity during crop production. While the population of any specific microorganism in a given soil is constantly fluctuating, they generally exist in a dynamic equilibrium. Soil is described as a bustling, complex laboratory where an infinite group of organisms are continuously active, carrying out numerous processes.

The author emphasizes the immense quantity of these subtle organisms, stating that a teaspoon of fertile, moist soil can contain as many microorganisms as the entire world population (over four billion). If one were to estimate their number per hectare, 30 cm of soil would have a weight of 2-10 tons of microorganisms. Bacteria are identified as the most numerous among soil microorganisms, typically residing in small colonies attached to soil particles. A single gram of soil can contain approximately one hundred million bacteria, though only about one-tenth of this can be observed even with the best microscopes.

The text explains that the remains of plants, animals, and animal waste are converted into organic matter by these microorganisms. Without them, surfaces would be piled high with refuse, compost, and dead animals. The population of microorganisms is significantly reduced in acidic, very humid or dry, hot, or very cold soils. The text also touches upon the metabolic processes, mentioning that plants and some microorganisms can convert ammonia into amino acids. Many organisms and microorganisms require pre-formed amino acids in their diet as they cannot synthesize them. The breakdown of amino acids or nucleic acids by microorganisms releases ammonia, which plays a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle in nature.

In conclusion, the book stresses the profound importance of soil microorganisms in human life. The growth of higher plants, essential for human sustenance, is regulated by these soil-dwelling organisms. The removal of microorganisms from the soil would endanger the lives of all creatures, including plants and humans. The author reflects that while initial ignorance or lack of education might have led to confusion about the Agama descriptions of subtle beings, the advancement of education and science has continuously strengthened faith in the Agamas. The text concludes by calling for curious readers to study this subject further.