Saptadhatu Aur Adhunik Vigyan - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Saptadhatu aur Adhunik Vigyan" (Seven Elements and Modern Science) by Dr. Ranjankumar:

The book "Saptadhatu aur Adhunik Vigyan" by Dr. Ranjankumar posits that Jain philosophy is an ancient scientific system. It highlights that Jain scriptures (Jainagamas) contain remarkably detailed descriptions of many modern scientific discoveries and accepted principles, even addressing complex problems that perplex contemporary scientists. The text specifically mentions vegetarianism, environmental protection, and non-violence as issues where Jain scriptures offer comprehensive solutions, unlike modern science which struggles to find universally accepted answers.

The core of the book focuses on explaining the Jain concept of Saptadhatu (seven constituent elements of the body) from the perspective of modern science. According to Jainism, the living body is composed of seven primary elements, which are:

Rasa (Plasma/Essence): This is the first element formed from the digested food and drink consumed by a living being. It is described as a thin fluid. Modern science aligns with this by explaining that after food is processed through the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines, it is acted upon by enzymes, becoming finer. The uneven surfaces of the intestines, with their villi (absorptive projections), absorb this digested material. This absorbed essence, carried through blood vessels, nourishes different parts of the body according to their needs.
Rakta (Blood): This is the second element, characterized by its red color. Jain texts state its origin from Rasa. Modern science supports the origin of blood from Rasa but expands the definition beyond just red-colored fluid. It identifies three components of blood: plasma (a pale yellow fluid), red blood cells (responsible for the red color due to hemoglobin), and white blood cells (involved in fighting infections). Hemoglobin's role in carrying oxygen, essential for cellular respiration and energy production, is also discussed. The text notes that while Jainism might have emphasized the red component, science recognizes white blood cells as well. It also mentions that some creatures, like cockroaches, have blood that isn't red because it lacks iron.
Mansa (Muscle): This element is responsible for the body's shape, facial beauty, and the structure of limbs, providing an attractive form over the skeletal structure. While Jainism uses the single term "Mansa," modern science refers to "muscles" (mascles) and "muscle fibers" (peshi) as components of muscle tissue. The deep red color of muscles is attributed to the rich blood supply within them, which aligns with the Jain idea of its origin from blood. However, scientists believe muscles are formed from Rasa (due to good nutrition) rather than blood directly. Muscles are further classified into involuntary (like heart, intestines, which function independently of our will) and voluntary (attached to bones, allowing movement like in limbs and face).
Med (Fat/Adipose Tissue): This is the fourth element, typically pale yellow or ghee-like in color, found beneath the skin. It helps maintain skin's softness and smoothness and protects some organs. In some cases, excessive accumulation can be detrimental. Jain texts suggest Med is formed from Mansa. Modern science, however, states that fat is derived from oily substances and is known as "fat cells" or "adipose tissue." The text notes that women generally have more fat than men due to physiological differences and a less strenuous lifestyle, leading to less fat expenditure. Fat provides warmth by burning with oxygen and acts as a shock absorber in certain areas, protecting underlying vessels from pressure. However, excessive accumulation can lead to obesity and hinder normal functioning.
Asthi (Bone): This is the hard component of the body, forming the skeletal structure upon which muscles and skin are attached, giving the body its definite shape. Bones are considered the foundation of the body. Jain texts suggest Asthi originates from Med (fat). Modern science contradicts this, explaining that bones are hard structures composed of calcium, magnesium, and other chemical elements in carbonate and phosphate forms, colloquially known as lime. Bone cells are described as having a matrix, and during infancy, bones are soft cartilage, hardening with growth into true bone. Bones are hollow, reducing weight while maintaining strength due to mineral salts. These hollow spaces contain red bone marrow, crucial for blood cell production and bone growth. Bones are vital for movement, weight-bearing, protecting vital organs (heart, lungs), and facilitating sensory functions like sight and hearing.
Majjā (Bone Marrow): Jainism lists Majjā as the sixth element, while Ayurveda considers it a sub-element. The book proceeds by accepting it as an element. Jain tradition posits its origin from Asthi. Science, while acknowledging that bone marrow is found within the hollow parts of bones and produced there, doesn't agree with its direct origin from bone tissue itself. Research is ongoing regarding its precise origin. Modern science has discovered that bone marrow produces red blood cells (whereas Jainism attributes blood production to Rasa) and that it is red in children and yellow in adults. Red bone marrow is primarily found in the ends of long bones like those in the arms and legs. The text emphasizes that the destruction of bone marrow due to disease-causing microbes can lead to the cessation of red blood cell production and ultimately death.
Vīrya (Semen/Reproductive Fluid): This is the seventh element, unique in that while the other six elements contribute to the body's construction, Vīrya is the cause of a new body's creation and continuation of life. The text explains that Vīrya from male and female combine to create a new fetus. Jain scriptures suggest Vīrya originates from Majjā. However, modern science strongly disagrees, stating that Vīrya is produced in the reproductive organs (male testes, female ovaries), which are located below the abdomen, not from bone marrow. The text then describes the male Vīrya (sperm) as a microscopic organism with a head, neck, and tail for motility, which fertilizes the female Vīrya (egg), leading to the formation of a fertilized egg and ultimately a new baby.

In conclusion, the book meticulously presents the Jain concept of the seven bodily elements and provides a detailed comparative analysis with modern scientific understanding, highlighting both convergences and divergences. It aims to demonstrate the scientific depth embedded within ancient Jain teachings.