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Āptamīmāṁsā
(ajīva); never ever can the soul become a non-soul and the non-soul a soul. There is absolute non-existence (atyantābhāva) between the soul (jīva) and the matter (pudgala); these two can never become one in the three times. Soul is existent with respect to its own characteristic of consciousness but exhibits absolute non-existence (atyantābhāva) with respect to the inanimate nature of matter. All six substances (dravya) exhibit absolute non-existence (atyantābhāva) with respect to each other; for example, there is absolute non-existence (atyantābhāva) between matter (pudgala) and medium of motion (dharma), and between space (ākāśa) and the substance of time (kāla). These substances may mingle like milk and water, give room to others, but still retain their individual identity. While the time-frame of reciprocal non-existence (anyonyābhāva or itaretarābhāva) is the present, that of absolute non-existence (atyantābhāva) is the past, present and future. All substances will become 'devoid of the form of their own (defect - asvarūpa)' if absolute non-existence (atyantābhāva) is not accepted.
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