Dr. N.L. Kachhara
Paramanu is capable of being dynamically active (kriyavan). When mobile, it may have vibratory as well as migratory motions. The activity of a paramanu is not continuous but rather in the form of quanta. When dynamic, it can assume a very high velocity, since it is completely mass less, there is no upper limit to its speed, and it can travel from one end of loka to the other in one samaya.
Paramanu has a propensity to become dynamically active. This does not mean that all paramanu are active everywhere and at all times under all conditions. There is an element of uncertainty in the origination and cessation of the dynamic activity of paramanu. A paramanu can remain at rest on a single space point for sometime. Maximum period of inactivity is innumerable samaya, after which it must move. On the other hand, maximum period of activity is innumerably small portion of an avalika. Minimum period of activity and inactivity is one samaya.
In short, the dynamic activity of paramanu is not continuous, that is there are alternate periods of rest and motion. Paramanu may be self-activated or may be acted upon by other paramanu(s) or composite bodies.
The motion and dynamics of paramanu in some respect follow certain rules. These rules are summarized below.
- In the absence of external forces, the paramanu moves in a stright line.
- Under the influence of external forces, the paramanu may change direction and speed.
- Soul has no direct influence on the motion of paramanu.
- The minimum distance traveled by paramanu in one samaya is space between two adjacent points and the maximum distance traveled is the entire length of loka.
- The maximum period of inactivity (rest) is innumerable samaya and the maximum period of activity is innumerable fraction of avalika.
On the other hand the paramanu also follows some rules of uncertainty.
- It is uncertain, after what interval of time will a paramanu at rest will become dynamic (and release energy). This time-interval may be from one samaya up to innumerable samayas. However, after an interval of innumerable samayas, it will become active for sure.
- Similarly, it is uncertain up to what duration of time a dynamic paramanu shall continue to be active. This duration could be one samaya to innumerable fraction of an avalika. But it will surely cease to be active after this maximum interval.
- It is uncertain, which direction will a paramanu take at the commencement of motion? It can move in any possible direction.
- It is uncertain, what type of dynamic activity will be commenced by an inactive paramanu. It may just vibrate or rotate or migrate or do all these movements simultaneously.
- It is uncertain again what will be the intensity of a paramanu's dynamic activity. Will it move with minimum, maximum or intermediate velocity?
Paramanu generally cannot be stopped or hindered by any object (apratighati) and at the same time it does not cause hindrance to others. The following conditions apply.
- Except in special cases given (below) the motion and activity of paramanu cannot be stopped or restrained by any material object or soul. A paramanu in motion is capable of penetrating and passing though any type of obstruction in its way.
- A paramanu can occupy a space point which is already occupied by others (paramanu, aggregate or soul), without losing its free state.
- A paramanu can commence and continue its own motion and activities irrespective of the other occupants of the same space.
The special conditions in which the motion and activity of paramanu can be hindered are.
- Dharma, which is necessary helping agent for motion, is present in loka and absent in aloka. The paramanu, therefore, cannot go from loka to aloka.
- When part of an aggregate, and united with other paramanus, paramanu loses its free state and the capacity for independent activity. In this case the motion and activity of paramanu is hindered.
- Collision between two self-activated paramanus moving at a high velocity may hinder the movement of both.
Some intrinsic qualities of paramanu are also factors in determining its velocity. When the intensity of negative charge of paramanu becomes a maximum, the velocity of paramanu reduces without any external influence. A paramanu with higher negative charge moves at a lower velocity then a paramanu with lower negative charge. The velocity is lowest for a paramanu with maximum negative charge. A paramanu having positive charge favours rest position. Both negative and positive charge may vary due to self-modification process (sadgun- hani-vridhi) and the velocity of paramanu would change accordingly.
