Disclaimer: This translation does not guarantee complete accuracy, please confirm with the original page text.
5 7-11]
Number of Regions
117
The words form, substance, and figure are synonymous. Form, taste, etc., are qualities that can be perceived by the senses and are referred to as substance. The qualities of matter can be perceived by the senses; therefore, matter is substance (in form). Apart from matter, other substances are not substantial, as they cannot be perceived by the senses. Hence, the quality of having form applies to matter, excluding the fourth components like Dharma-stikaya, etc.
Due to being transcendental, atoms and many other subtle substances and their qualities are not accessible to the senses; however, in a specific resultant stage, they can still be capable of being perceived by the senses, thus even while being transcendental, they are also substantial (in form). Among the four non-substantial substances, Dharma-stikaya, Adharma-stikaya, and Akash-stikaya are each a single entity. They do not have two or more divisions.
Similarly, all three are inactive (devoid of action). The concept of being a single entity and inactivity presents a similarity among these three substances, contrasting with the numerous entities of the living being and matter, which are also active. In Jain philosophy, the self-substance is not considered as a single entity like Vedanta, nor is it viewed as inactive like all Vedic philosophies such as Samkhya and Vaisheshika.
Question: According to Jain philosophy, all substances undergo the process of transformation (production-expenditure). This transformation can only occur in active substances. How can the transformation occur in the three substances considered inactive like Dharma-stikaya, etc.?
Answer: Here, inactivity refers to the denial of motion, not of all activity. According to Jain philosophy, the meaning of an inactive substance is 'motionless substance.' Even in motionless Dharma-stikaya and other substances, a similar transformation-like action is acknowledged by Jain philosophy.
The number of regions is countless.