संगोष्ठी का प्रस्ताविक वक्तव्य

Summary

This document is the inaugural address of a symposium titled “Science in Jain Scriptures,” published in the journal *Jnan Deshana* (Year 3, Issue 1, January–June 2010, pages 7–11). The speaker, Dr. Anupam Jain, begins by exploring the relationship between science and philosophy, arguing they are complementary rather than competitive. He notes that science originates from philosophy and is validated by practical utility, while philosophy provides the inner vision for spiritual liberation. The address emphasizes that Jain philosophy holds a significant place among Indian philosophical systems, with its roots as ancient as Vedic culture, citing references to Lord Rishabhadeva in the Rigveda. The speaker then categorizes scientific knowledge found in ancient Jain texts into three groups: Physical Sciences (including physics, mathematics, astronomy, chemistry, economics, and management), Biological Sciences (including biology, botany, environmental science, dietetics, Ayurveda, and psychology), and Structural Sciences (including geology and architecture). For each category, Dr. Jain lists relevant Jain scriptures, such as the *Panchastikaya*, *Bhagavati Sutra*, *Shatkhandagama*, and *Tattvartha Sutra*, along with their commentaries. He highlights specific contributions, such as the Jain concept of the atom (*paramanu*) as an indivisible particle, contrasting it with modern physics’ divisible subatomic particles. The address also notes key scholars and works in these fields, including B.B. Datta on mathematics, G.R. Jain on cosmology, and P.C. Mahalanobis on statistics. Dr. Jain concludes by acknowledging that while significant research has been done, much remains to be explored, particularly in sociology and management, and expresses hope that such symposia will continue to uncover knowledge from Jain scriptures.