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The concept of Jivaabhigam has been explored from various dimensions. By classifying it in various ways from different perspectives, the scholars have provided abundant information about the essence of the soul. The same is compiled in the nine propositions of Jivaabhigam.
The first proposition states that the venerable Bhagavants have revealed the knowledge of Jivaabhigam and Ajivaabhigam according to the teachings of the omniscient and all-seeing Tirthankara. Before explaining the Palpavaktavya, it is mentioned that Ajivaabhigam is of two types - Rupee Ajivaabhigam and Praroopee Ajivaabhigam.
Ten types of Aroopee Ajivaabhigam are mentioned - the Skandha, Desh, and Pradesh of Dharmaastikaya, the Skandha, Desh, and Pradesh of Adharmaastikaya, the Skandha, Desh, and Pradesh of Aakaashaastikaya, and Pradhaasamya (time). According to Jain principles, Dharmaastikaya etc. are the elements that help in motion, and Adharma is the element that helps in stillness.
Aakash and Kaal have been accepted by other philosophers as well, but Dharmaastikaya and Adharmaastikaya have not been accepted by anyone except Jain philosophy. This is a completely original concept of Jain philosophy.
Behind this original concept is a strong foundation of evidence and logic. Jain Acharyas have proved through logic that there must be a regulatory element for the arrangement of Lok and Alok.
Jiva and Pudgal, which are dynamic, move only in Lok, not in Alok. There must be some regulatory element for this. Otherwise, if Jiva and Pudgal were to move in the infinite Alokakash, the situation of instability would arise, and the entire Lokavyavastha would be shattered. Therefore, Jain thinkers have accepted the existence of Dharma as the element that regulates motion and Adharma as the element that regulates stillness.
Modern science has also accepted the element that helps in motion (Medium of Motion). Newton and Einstein have established the element of motion. Ether, accepted by scientists, is another name for the element of motion.
Lok is finite. Alok beyond Lok is infinite. The reason for Lok being finite is that Dravya or Shakti cannot go beyond Lok. Beyond Lok, there is the influence of that Shakti which helps in motion.
Lord Mahavira has said that all the vibrations happen with the help of Dharma. If Dharma Tattva did not exist, who would go? Who would come? How would sound waves spread? How would eyes open? Who would contemplate? Who would speak? Who would move? This world would be immobile.
Dharma, the element that helps in motion, is the cause of all that moves. Similarly, if Adharma, the element that helps in stillness, did not exist, who would be able to stop while moving? Who would sit? How would one sleep? Who would become motionless? How would a blink happen? This world would always be moving. Adharma-Adharmaastikaya, the element that helps in stillness, is the support for all that is static in motion.
In this way, Jain thinkers have presented a completely original concept in the form of Dharma and Adharma. All philosophers have accepted the existence of Aakash. If Aakash did not exist, where would Jiva and Pudgal reside? Where would Dharmaastikaya and Adharmaastikaya be present? Where would Kaal be layered? Where would the stage of Pudgal be created? This world would be baseless.
Kaal is a formal Dravya. From the perspective of Nishchayanaya, Kaal is a synonym for Jiva and Ajiva. But from the perspective of Vyavahar Nay, it is Dravya. Because its benefits are like Vartana etc. What is beneficial is Dravya.