________________
THE SIDDHANTA.
761
functions are performed by different substances all of which exist, in an interpenetrating manner, in one and the same space. Space would then represent the partless, non-atomistic, extended substance which provides rooin for all things, Time, the reality or force underlying continuity and succession, jivas, the self-conscious beings, and matter, * the atomistic substance, moving about in ether, in consequence of the operation of different kinds of energy.
According to the Jaina Siddhanta, Dharma possesses none of the specific properties of matter, and is not matter, though essentially a substance, i.e., a self-subsisting reality. It is devoid of all sensible qualities, and cannot be perceived with the senses. Dharma is not the cause of motion, but only its medium. As water is helpful in the movements of aquatic animals, but does not set them in motion, so is Dharma only a vehicle of motion, but not its originator or cause.
Adharma, like Dharma, is also a substance which pervades the whole lokakâsha ; it, too, is non-atomistic in its structure and devoid of sensible qualities. It is the accompanying cause in the cessation of motion.
The necessity of Adharma' as the accompanying cause of cessation of motion will be clearly perceived by any one who will bear in mind the proposition that every body perseveres in its state of rest or motion
* Taken in its entirety, the pudgala dravya of the Jaina Siddhanta might well be described as a perfect fluid, circulating internally, and possessing a velocity comparable to that of light.' Now, if we can recall to mind what Dr. Alfred Russell Wallace said on the point --that matter was ultimately traceable to force (Natural Selection and Tropical Nature') - we can easily see that the ultimate atom would not be unlike a vortex or bubble in such an ocean of dynamic force.
60
be unlille ?-we can easile to force (Naturon the point
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org