Philosophy In Jain Agams: Concept of Rebirth in the Field of Science

The idea of rebirth has always remained a matter of reflection in philosophy. Modern science is also pondering over this subject. Generally, the matter has four states viz. solid, liquid, gas and plasma. Scientist V.S. Grischenco of Soviet Union has discovered a fifth state of substance i.e. Bio plasma, protoplasm. According to Grischenco, 'Bioplasma contains free electrons and protons, which have no relation with nucleus. They have greater velocity. It is found accumulated in the spine of human beings. Many other facts regarding protoplasm have been explored by him. His conclusions resonate with the idea of subtle body in Indian philosophy which is quite similar to the idea of bio-plasma or protoplasm. Proto-plasma can also be compared with the prāṇa (vital energy). Scientists say protoplasm is present in the cells of the body. After death this gets alienated from the body and also gets transformed into genes. When a child takes birth, bio-plasma re-emerges. Body gets burnt but bio-plasma does not. It gets scattered in the space. To some extent, this can be called as subtle body, according to the Jain philosophy. Since, the subtle body has only four types of touches, it does not have solid, liquid or gaseous states, it is very subtle. The soul that has connection with the subtle body can only take rebirth. This concept of protoplasm supports the concept of eternal existence of soul and rebirth. Scientists hold that when protoplasm becomes activated, memories of previous births get awakened. According to the Jain philosophy, the memories of previous birth remain preserved in the subtle body and they emerge out with the appropriate causes.

Parapsychology and Rebirth

In the field of para-psychology, several inventions are emerging on rebirth. Parapsychology is also a branch of science which carries continuous research on the concept of rebirth.

The parapsychologists of the developed countries like Europe and America are diving deep into the investigation regarding rebirth. Head of Department of Psychology in Virginia University, Dr. Ian Stevenson has studied various facts related to memories of previous birth. After an in-depth study and speculation, he said that the concept of rebirth is true and evident.^[1]