The Jaina Doctrine of Karma And The Science Of Genetics: ▪ Life and Environment

The ability of a plant or animal to adopt to its environment is the characteristic which enables it to survive the exigencies of a changing world. Each particular species of plant or animal can become adopted by seeking out and environment to which it is suited to make it better fitted to its present surroundings. According to modern biology "it is obvious that a single plant or animal cannot adopt to all the conceivable kinds of environment, hence there will be certain areas where it cannot survive or some areas where it can survive.^[25]

Many factors may limit the distinction of a species such as, habitat, earth, water, air, light, temperature, food, predators, competitors, parasites etc.

The analysis of the types of plants^[26] and animals^[27] etc. as recorded in Jaina Āgams show that types of plants such as trees, shrubs, herbs, creepers, grasses etc. were distributed over different regions of India where they could grow and adopt to their suitable environment to survive the exigencies of a changing world. The classification of animals by Jainaācārya into sthalacara (terrestrial), Jalacara (aquatic) and Khecara (aerial) beings etc.^[28] throws light upon their habitat and ecology where they could grow and adopt and make themselves better fitted in their survival.

The study of the life of beings was made by the Jainācāryas in relation to environment. So climatic conditions have been described by them under the term 'ṛtu'.^[29] It has been sub-divided into pravrt or varṣā (Rainy season = śaravanadi or Asayujadih), śarada (margaśirṣadhih = autumn), hemanta (maghadih = winter), Vasanta (caitradih = spring) and Grīṣma (Jyesthadih = summer).^[30]

The study of life in relation to environment probably began from the vedic period^[31] and climatic conditions were similarly treated under the same term 'ṛtu' (season) which was first sub-divided into three seasons:

1. Vasanta (spring)
2. Grīṣma (summer)
3. Śarada (autumn).^[32]

Ṛtu has also been sub-divided into five seasons:

1. Vasanta
2. Grīṣma
3. Varṣā
4. Śarada.
5. Hemanta śiśira.^[33]

or sometimes into six by separating hemanta and śiśira.