Microcosmology: Atom In Jain Philosophy & Modern Science: [2.3.01] Atom In Jain Philosophy - Pudgala G.P. (General Properties)

Pudgala - General Propertieses

1. Pudgala is
   
   
   1. an astikaya [Bhagavati Sutra, 13/4/55 (J.V.B. Edition)]
   2. a real, [Ibid,ibid]
   3. a substance, [Utt. 28/8]
   4. eternal/indestructible, [Tat. Sut. 5/4]
   5. avasthita (non-transmutable) [Ibid, ibid]
      
      
2. Pudgala is physical order of existence, not psychical.[ Ibid, 5/1]
   
   
3. 1. Pudgala possesses qualities of colour, taste, smell and touch. [Bhagavati Sutra, 2/10/129]
   2. Pudgala is sensible/perceivable.[ (a) Tat. Sut, 5/4; (b) Brh. Dra. Sam, verse 15]
      
      
4. 1. Pudgala is kriyavan (i.e. incessantly active). [Tat sut. Bhasya, 5/6}
   2. Pudgala is parinami (i.e. subject to mutation). [Brh. Dra Sam. 2/1 p. 67]
      
      
5. Pudgala is fusionable and fissionable [Tat. Sut. Commentary, 5/1]
   
   
6. 1. Pudgala is numerically infinite. [Bhag. Sut. 2/10/129; Utt. 28/8]
   2. Spatially it fills the entire universe. [Ibid, ibid]
      
      
7. Pudgala interacts with and influences psychic order of existence, i.e., jiva or consciousness. [(a) Tat. Sut. 8/2 (b) Ibid, 5/19]

We shall now discuss the above properties of pudgala in detail: