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5.2-6]
**Fundamental Substance and Their Homogeneity - Heterogeneity**
Question - Are the four types of non-living substances acknowledged in other philosophies as well?
Answer - No. The two substances, Ether and Matter, are acknowledged by other philosophies such as Vaisheshika, Nyaya, and Samkhya; however, the two substances of Dharma and Adharma have not been acknowledged by any philosophy other than Jainism. The substance referred to as "Akashastikaya" in Jain philosophy is simply called "Akash" in non-Jain philosophies. The term "Pudgalastikaya" is well-known only in Jain scriptures. In Jain texts, the term Pudgal is often categorized using words such as principal, nature, atom, etc.
1. **Fundamental Substance**
Substances are living beings.
2.
The four non-living substances – Dharma, Adharma, and living beings comprise the five fundamental substances.
According to Jain perspective, this world is not merely a form of change (paryay), but it is also beginningless and endless. In Jain philosophy, the five fundamental substances are acknowledged as the five which are stated in this aphorism.
This aphorism, along with the subsequent sutras, describes the general and specific qualities of substances and elucidates their interrelated homogeneity and heterogeneity. Homogeneity refers to similar qualities (samanadharma) and heterogeneity refers to different qualities (vidhidharma). In this aphorism, there is an assertion of the substance-like similarity of the five, namely Dharma and others. Heterogeneity can pertain to qualities or forms, as qualities and forms are not substances themselves.
1. The homogeneity and heterogeneity of fundamental substances are eternal, fixed, and formless (immaterial).
2. They are material in form.
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1. In the commentary, there is a reading without the conjunction "A," i.e., "a akashat." In the Digambara tradition, the aphorism is also read without conjunction.
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