Dark matter and dark energy in ancient Indian Jain scriptures

Dark matter and dark energy

Dark energy and dark matters are centers of attraction for the modern physicists as these contain about 96 percent of the total mass and energy in the universe. Here is a short note about what ancient Indian scriptures especially Jain canons have to say about these. Visible energy is only four percent of the total energy (mass) in the universe. 

The humankind is not yet able to experience dark matter or energy. Hence, these are called dark. It has nothing to do with darkness that our vision can experience or feel. Physicists conceive the idea of the existence of dark matter and energy through mathematical calculations while studying the present model of the universe. Obviously, the study is based on the rules of general relativity and quantum physics, widely accepted scientific models to date. 

Dark matter and energy in ancient Indian Jain scriptures

Ancient Indian scriptures especially the Jain canons have a lot of material that can be studied to understand this dark matter and energy. The universe (Loka) consists of six substances according to Jain scriptures. Everyone studying Jain metaphysics is well aware of these six substances e.g.  Dharmastikaya, Adharmastikaya, Akashastikaya, Jeevastikaaya, Pudgalistikaya, and Kala. Pudgalastikaya or simply Pudgala refers to matter and energy in modern terminology. Hence, our subject of interest is to study Pudgala in Jain scriptures to know what these say about dark matter and energy. 

Jain scriptures classify Pudgala in various ways. One such classification is about numbers of Paramanu (Smallest particle or God particle in the modern sense) and their bonds with other Paramanu. When a single Paramanu makes a bond with another Paramanu is called Dwayanuk Skandha. This is the smallest Skandha. Paramanu continues to make bonds to create larger Skandhas. Once these Skandhas reach a certain stage of accumulating Paramanus in infinite numbers is then called Vargana. There are 26 types of Vargana according to Jain scriptures. 

I, here, argue that some of these Varganas are within the range of visible matter and energy; and some are dark matter and energy beyond the visible limit.

Image: Loka Purush, The Universe in Jainism

Attribution: Anishshah19 / Public domain

Classification of Vargana in Jain scripts 

26 types of Varganas are classified with various types. Here is one that we take to study for matter and energy. There are eight types of Varganas that can be consumed by the Jeeva and Jeeva can't consume the rest eighteen. The eight Varganas that a Jeeva can use or consume are as follows:

Audarika

Vaikriya

Aharaka

Taijasa

Karmana 

Mana

Vachana (Bhasha)

Shwashoshwasa

The first five of these are responsible for creating various types of bodies for the Jeeva and last three for the mind, speech, and respiration respectively. 

Modern Physics and subatomic particles

Five Varganas as building blocks for bodies

The Jeeva, in different Gati, Yoni, and stage creates different types of bodies i.e. Audarika, Vaikriya, and Aharaka.  In a nutshell, the Humans (Manushya) and non-human creatures (Tiryancha) have Audarika Shareera and the heavenly creatures i.e Deva and Naraka have Vaikriya Shareera.  Ascetics at a special stage (Chaturdasa Purvadhara) may have Aharaka Shareera. All of the abovementioned creatures have two bodies embedded permanently with them, Taijasa and Karmana. The Jeeva accepts  Audarika, Vaikriya, or Aharaka Varganas according to their Gati or Yoni with the help of Karmana Vargana as building blocks for their bodies.

This is worth noting that Audarika, Vaikriya, Aharaka, Taijasa, and Karmana Varganas or bodies are gradually subtler in form. 

Audarika Vargana as a visible matter and energy

Audarika, among the five mentioned above, is the visible Vargana as they are gross (Sthula). Not only the Shareera but all the visible materials are consisting of Audarika Vargana. Hence, we can derive that all matter and energy visible are Audarika. All other four Vargana, therefore, fall in the category of dark matter and energy, if we simplify, according to Jain scriptures.

The vibration of Jeeva with Karamana Vargana

We have to take on account a very special feature of Jain scriptures about the vibration of Jeeva with Karamana Vargana. This is a unique perception of Jain philosophy. The mundane Jeeva vibrates/oscillates to acquire Karmika bondages. The oscillations of the Jeeva are instigated by the Kashaya or Rga/Dwesha which are again due to Karmana vargana. Lower the Jeeva in spiritual evolution higher is the intensity of the vibration. There is an infinite number of Jeeva belonging to the  Nigoda category, the lowest in the evolution rank according to ancient Jain scriptures.

The oscillations/vibrations of all the Jeeva including the Nigoda may create an enormous amount of energy. Can we call it the Dark energy? 

The cosmic dance of Pudgala propagating dark energy

All the Pudgala whether it is Varganas, Skandhas, or Paramanus are dynamic in nature. Sometimes these Pudgala rest in their occupies space-time. Many times these are in motion and travel from one part of the universe (Loka) to another part. These move either at fast or at a slow pace. This creates a cosmic dance of matter and energy all over the universe. 

While Audarika Vargana (Visible particles) take part in these motions create visible energy. On the other hand, invisible Vargana (Particles) taking part in these motions create dark energy.

Disclaimer

This is simply a short note about comparing the dark energy and dark matter in modern physics with the ancient Indian Jain scriptures. I have deliberately kept it simple not using references from the Jain canons. This is just a thought that may trigger a further thought process and research on the topic.  Further, this is a humble attempt to attract the attention of modern physicists and Jain scholars.

I am neither a physicist nor a Jain scholar but a primary student of Jainism. The short note may need many corrections and elaborations. I am open to constructive criticisms from scholars. There is a belief that the scholars will come out to discuss the matter. 

Jainism: Basic Jain concept of the Universe

Thanks, 

Jyoti Kothari (Jyoti Kothari, Proprietor, Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur represents Centuries Old Tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry. He is an adviser, Vardhaman Infotech, a leading IT company in Jaipur. He is also ISO 9000 professional)

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