The Positive Sciences of the Ancient Hindus c5.s5: Section 5. Interesting Examples of Motion Ascribed to Adṛiṣṭa (Unknown Cause, Unexplained Nature, Final Cause)
The Positive Sciences of the Ancient Hindus c5.s5
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Section 5. Interesting Examples of Motion Ascribed to Adṛiṣṭa (Unknown Cause, Unexplained Nature, Final Cause)
c5.s5.2
The first motions in primordial atoms at the beginning of Creation are attributed to *adṛiṣṭa*. Among movements in masses of matter so caused are noted the motion of the globe of the earth and similar other bodies (महाभूतानां भूगोलकादीनां प्रक्षोभनं चलनम्—Praśastapâda with Śrîdhara’s commentary, कर्म्मग्रन्थ). Most probably this means earthquakes, tides, etc. Âryabhata and his school would no doubt bring under this head the diurnal motion of the earth. It is interesting to note in this connection that Bhâskara refutes the Buddhist hypothesis of the earth falling perpetually *in vacuo* by arguing that the earth must remain balanced in space as there is nothing outside to attract it.
c5.s5.3
The movement of the needle (iron in general, as Śankara Miśra notes) towards the magnet is another example of unexplained motion in matter. Cleaning and right-placing of the magnet (संमार्ज्जनम्, ऋजुस्थापनम्) are necessary (सूचीनां लौहशलाकानां, अयस्कान्ताभिमुखगमनम्, सूचीत्युपलक्षणम् अयस्कान्ताकृष्टलोहमात्रमभिप्रेतम्—Śaṅkara Miśra).
c5.s5.4
Similarly, amber attracts grass, straw, etc. (तृणकान्तम- ण्याकृष्टानां तृणानां गमने—Śaṅkara Miśra, on Sûtra 15, Âhnika 1, Chap. V.).
c5.s5.5
Involuntary movements of the hand under the influence of the hypnotist's *mantras* (incantations) are also attributed to *adṛiṣta*.
Linked texts (1)
- Padārthadharmasaṅgraha — Praśastapāda, Sanskrit