Significance of Atom
The concept of Atom varies across different philosophical and religious traditions. In Jainism, atoms, known as Paramanu, are the smallest indivisible units of non-soul substances. Tibetan Buddhism views atoms as eternal building blocks of the universe. Purana describes them as tiny particles of matter that may be deemed non-existent. Various schools, including Vedanta and Vaisheshika, discuss atoms in terms of their qualities and implications for existence. Overall, the Atom is recognized as fundamental to the understanding of matter in multiple contexts.
Synonyms: Molecule, Particle, Element, Unit, Nucleus, Ion
In German: Atom; In Swedish: Atom; In Malay: Atom; In French: Atom; In Dutch: Atoom; In Finnish: Atomi; In Spanish: 脕迟辞尘辞
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Atom'
In Buddhism, the atom is deemed a non-essential unit, neither singular nor plural, serving as an eternal, fundamental element of matter. Its existence is contested, often symbolizing conventional perceptions rather than absolute reality in substance and causation.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) A fundamental unit of matter that is eternal and considered not to have a cause since it is not produced.[1] (2) The fundamental entity discussed in the text, regarded as the only perceivable unit of substance, beyond which no differentiation exists.[2] (3) The atom is considered a fundamental entity that is not essentially one or many, often viewed as non-existent or devoid of division into parts.[3] (4) A term that is brought into question, suggesting that its existence or meaning is not universally accepted or understood.[4] (5) The fundamental units that are considered to be of the nature of 'earth' and are eternal.[5]
Hindu concept of 'Atom'
In Hinduism, atoms are viewed as indivisible units forming matter's foundation, possessing qualities and categorized into four classes. The discourse challenges their existence as eternal principles while discussing their role in matter's behavior and composition.
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) These are considered to be eternal and belong to four different classes, possessing qualities like color, and are the originating principles of the whole material world, according to the Vaisheshikas.[6] (2) These are fundamental particles, and the doctrine of atoms being the cause of the world must be rejected for these reasons.[7] (3) The fundamental particles that are the focus of the text's analysis, their nature (active or non-active) is central to the arguments presented regarding their behavior.[8] (4) The atoms are the cause of the aggregate of the elements and elementary things, the aggregation of the four different kinds of atoms create the elements.[9] (5) In this context, atoms are considered in relation to the argument that if an atom combines with another, it must enter the combination without parts, which creates objections to the notion of their composition.[10]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) Referenced in arguments where it is presented as an instance of immateriality yet fails to substantiate the claim.[11]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The smallest unit of matter that forms the basis of all substances, indivisible in nature.[12]
Jain concept of 'Atom'
In Jainism, the term "Atom" or Paramanu represents the smallest indivisible units of matter, classified as a type of substance that possesses form and exists as distinct space-points within non-soul substances.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The smallest indivisible unit that constitutes non-soul substances, specifically mentioned as having individual space-point characteristics.[13]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Described as Paramanu, representing the most fundamental units of matter.[14]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) The basic indivisible forms of matter, classified as one of the four kinds of things possessing form.[15]
The concept of Atom in local and regional sources
Atom, in this context, signifies the smallest unit of matter, essential for the structure and composition of all substances, thus forming the fundamental building blocks of life itself.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) According to the Sankhya, these are not the primal state, and the universe does not originate from them, but they can be a secondary state.[16] (2) This is the starting point for everyone struggling for freedom, and everyone is struggling for freedom, from the atom to the star, according to the text.[17] (3) The text says that every one is struggling for freedom from the atom to the star, and that the ignorant man is satisfied if he can get freedom within a certain limit.[18]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The smallest unit of matter, representing the fundamental building blocks of life.[19]
The concept of Atom in scientific sources
The keyphrase "Atom" relates to the concept that it represents the fundamental building blocks of matter. While the brain cannot directly observe atoms, they manifest as particles and molecules in physical forms we can perceive.
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) This is something that the brain cannot see, we can only see them in particle, atom, molecule, matter, or object form.[20]