Jaina Theory of Sound (Śabda)
By J. C. Sikdar
Summary
J.C. Sikdar’s 'Jaina Theory of Sound (Śabda)' surveys Indian philosophical views on sound. The author groups the schools into five categories: Sāṁkhya–Yoga, Vaibhāṣika Buddhists, Nyāya–Vaiśeṣika, Mīmāṃsakas and Jainas. According to Sikdar, Sāṁkhya–Yoga treat sound as a subtle element (tanmātra) that gives rise to ether, while Vaibhāṣikas regard it as a type of matter. Nyāya–Vaiśeṣikas define sound as a quality of ākāśa (space) and argue that only eternal substances – atoms, space, time and soul – are intangible; therefore sound cannot be an independent substance. Mīmāṃsakas consider sound a permanent, imperceptible substance, whereas Jainas adopt a synthetic view that reconciles these doctrines. The paper also describes characteristics of sound such as pitch, intensity, quality and wave, its propagation through air and matter, and the non‑eternity of spoken words because they arise only under specific conditions. Sikdar notes that the Jain theory balances metaphysical and empirical perspectives, treating sound as both a material vibration and a medium for communication.
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Conclusion
Sikdar shows that Indian schools had diverse explanations of sound, ranging from subtle tanmātra to an independent substance. By comparing these views, he argues that the Jaina approach offers a balanced, synthetic theory that avoids extremes. The article concludes that sound is a transient phenomenon produced by interaction of matter and that an adequate theory must account for both metaphysical categories and practical communication.