Jaina Philosophy

SR No.: 001180
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Mohanlal Mehta
Publisher: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan
Publication Year: 1998
Total Pages: 328
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Philosophy
File Size: 15 MB

Page 78

REALITY
65
discussed. There is a further classification of the ajīva substance. It is divided into 'rūpin' and 'arūpin'. The 'rūpin' substance is pudgalāstikāya alone. The 'arūpin' one is divided into 'dharmāstikāya' (medium of motion), 'adharmāstikāya' (medium of rest), 'ākāśāstikāya' (space) and 'addhasamaya' (time). The first four 'ajīva' substances, viz., 'pudgala' (matter), 'dharma' (medium of motion), 'adharma' (medium of rest) and 'ākāśa' (space) and 'jīva' are called 'astikāyas' meaning thereby 'substances having extension'. Here it should be noted that the term 'extension' is not used by the Jaina in the realistic sense of material extension. The Jaina conception of 'extension' is a unique one. It is as follows :
As these exist, they are called 'asti' by the great Jinas, and because they have many 'pradeśas', like bodies, therefore, they are called 'kāyas'. Hence, these are called astikāyas (extensive substances).'
To be more clear, let us understand what is meant by a 'pradeśa'. It has been defined to be that part of space which is covered by one indivisible atom of matter.2 Such 'pradeśas' contain not only the atoms of matter, but also the particles .of other substances. 'Jiva', 'pudgala', 'dharma', 'adharma' and 'ākāśa' have many 'pradeśas', as these consist of many indivisible parts. The particles of these are mixed up or capable of being mixed up. The last substance, viz., 'addhāsamaya' (time) consists of particles which never mix up, and consequently, each of these particles occupies a particular 'pradeśa'. Thus, time is said to have a single 'pradeśa'. Therefore, 'addhāsamaya' is not an extensive substance. The 'addhāsamaya' substance is also called 'kāla'.
1. Dravya-sangraha, 24. 2. Ibid., 27.