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Tatvartha Sutra
Prologue— The five substances from asrava to moksha are not independent like jiva and ajiva, nor are they without beginning or end. However, they are real and can be represented in certain states. Then, how are they considered substances in relation to jiva and ajiva?
3. — The nature of the substances is the same. That is to say, here the word "substance" does not imply the states of being without beginning or end and independent, but rather refers to what is 'knowable', which is useful for attaining moksha. The primary subject of this scripture is moksha, and therefore the knowledge of certain things is extremely essential for the seeker who desires moksha. These very things are counted here as substances. Since moksha is the ultimate objective, without knowing it and its causes, the seeker cannot engage in the path to liberation. In this way, if a seeker does not understand the nature of the opposing substances to moksha and their causes, then that seeker cannot engage in an unwavering effort on their path. It is crucial for that seeker to first understand: if I am seeking moksha, what is the common nature that is found in me but is not found in others. To complete this understanding, the discussion of the seven substances is provided. The discussion of the jiva substance indicates the qualifications of the one entitled to moksha. The ajiva substance indicates that there exists a substance in the world, which, being non-sentient, is not qualified for the instruction of moksha. The bonded substance delineates the opposing state to moksha, and the asrava substance reveals the cause of that opposing state.