Concept of Matter in Jaina Philosophy

SR No.: 001663
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: J C Sikdar
Publisher: P V Research Institute Varanasi
Publication Year: 1987
Total Pages: 412
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Philosophy, & Physics
File Size: 23 MB

Page 52

Jaina Conception of Matter
their identity in the midst of their changes and thus are characterized by three factors, viz. origination, decay and permanence in the process of birth and destruction."1 As time also possesses these three qualities so there are stated to be six fundamental substances. Acarya Pujyapada, while commenting on the aphorism "Nityavasthitānyarūpāņi", explains that the six substances, viz. Dharma (principle of motion), Adharma (principle of rest), Akāśa (space), Jiva (soul), Pudgala (matter) and Kala (time) are eternal and unchanging in their characteristics and except Matter all are devoid of form (i. e. non-corporeal); Dharma cannot become Adharma or Jiva cannot become Ajiva (non-soul). The number of Dravyas (substances) is fixed as six; it can never be seven or five and with the exception of Pudgaladravya (material substance), the other five Dravyas are non-material and non-corporeal, hence devoid of all characteristics of Pudgala, such as, colour, taste, smell and touch, etc.2 Therefore, according to Jaina metaphysics, there are stated to be six categories of Reality called Sarvadravyas in the universe, i. e. positive fundamental reals characterized by qualities and modes, viz. principles of Motion and Rest, Space, Soul, Matter and Time.3
It is to be noted that in No. 2 aphorism of the fifth chapter of the Tattvarthadhigama Sutra containing the Svetambara tradition the word "Dravyani" (substances) has been joined together with the word "JIvaśca (souls) to form this aphorism "Dravyani Jivaśca". That is to say, Dharma and Adharma, Akāśa, Pudgala and JIva are the five fundamental extensive substances, and Kāla is not included here.
1. PS., 6. (comm).
2. Sarvarthasiddhi, pp. 270-71.
3. Chavvihā savvadavvā pa. tamjaha-dhammatthikae adhammatthikae java addhasamaye-Bhs., 25. 4. 733-4; 11. 4. 424; 13. 4. 482-3; Anuyogadvara sutra, 324 and Gommaṭasāra (Jīvakāṇḍa), 560.
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4. Ete dharamadayaścatvāro jIvaśca pañca dravyani ca bhavanti TS. Bhāṣya, p. 320.
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