n In Leibniz’s Monadology no difference between gross and conscious has been accepted.
n It refutes the concept of physical atoms because each physical element is expandable. If atoms
are believed to be physical element then they will be indivisible for being expandable.
n Since consciousness is devoid of expansion so it cannot be divided into various elements.
n Leibniz has called this indivisible and conscious element as Monad.
Prominent Characteristics of Monad –
n In definition of the matter Descartes and Spinoza has laid special emphasis on independent
power but according to Leibniz, independence does not mean independent existence but indepen-
-dent power of action. According to him matter is one which is with independent action. Thus,
Leibniz regards independence and activeness as inseparable. In this view , each and every thing in
the world has some or the other active power and dynamism. On this basis, Leibniz has accepted
several independent, active and distinct monads as matter contrary to the beliefs of Descartes and
Spinoza.
n Leibniz’s monads are windowless that is they do not get affected from any external things.
n Every monad is perfect in itself, therefore, it is self dependent. It does not depend on anything
except God for its existence. Whole world is inherent as seed in monads.
Two kinds of processes are found in monads –
1. Perception
2. Appetition
The process of perception is the internal power of monad through which it is capable of evolving
whole world from within it, therefore, Leibniz says each and every monad is a mirror of the world.
Whatever is inherent in monads is manifested as the knowledge. For believing whole knowledge as
eternal, Leibniz says, ‘ Soul is not like any blank paper but it is like a piece of stone in which an
intrinsic capability of being a statue.’
Appetition means monads rise from low plane of consciouness to higher plane of consciousness. In
this view monads can be classified mainly as under –
1. Naked Monads : With very low degree of consciousness, dormant monads, it is the state of
gross world. In the Upnishads it is ‘ Annamaya Kosha (Food Body)’.
2. Subconscious or Dreaming Monads : An apparent lack of throb, transmitive power or
activeness of consciousness, the world of vegetation, Pranmaya Kosha (Energy Body)
- Conscious Monads : The world of birds and animal, a clear manifestation of consciousness,
structural power, activeness, Manomaya Kosha (Mind Body). - Self Conscious Monads : Human world, sensational power, pranic power, manifestation of
transmitive power together with manifestation of science and knowledge, Vigyanmaya Kosha
(Knowledge Body). - Supreme Monads – The monad of monads, God, the soul of monads, the creator of monads
and ultimate purpose.
Whole universe is nothing but groups of monads. There is no dormance, steadiness, death, dark-
-ness, disappointment, repetition, disorder, sorrow, inauspiciousness tec. These are all illusive
perceptions. This world is conscious, dynamic, auspicious and best in all possible worlds.