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5. 17-18]
The characteristics of Dharma, Adharma, and Akasha by action
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Why can it not inhabit one region or two, four, five, etc., of Akasha? Similarly, if its nature is evolving, why does it not permeate the non-Akasha like the entire Lokakash? The answer is that the bounds of contraction depend on the Karmana body. The Karmana body cannot be smaller than any finite measure, hence the creature's contraction-activity is also limited to that extent. The limit of evolution is also considered up to Lokakash. There are two reasons for this. The first is that the regions of the soul are as many as those of Lokakash. In the highest state of evolution, the soul can only permeate one area of the Akasha, not two or more. Therefore, even in the supreme state of development, it does not extend beyond Lokakash. The second reason is that evolution is a movement-based function, and movement cannot occur without the body, and hence there is no reason for the soul to spread outside Lokakash.
Question - How can infinite souls in embodied form fit into the Lokakash with countless regions?
Answer - Due to the transformation into subtle forms, innumerable ordinary souls can dwell together in the same area of Akasha with the Nigoda body, and one can observe numerous Samuchchhya souls above and inside the body of humans, etc. Therefore, the inclusion of infinite souls in Lokakash is not unreasonable.
Although the Pudgala substance is infinite and material, the reason it can merge into Lokakash is that Pudgala has the power to transform into a subtle state. When such transformation occurs, infinite atoms and infinite aggregates can find place in the same area without affecting one another, just as the light of thousands of lamps can coexist in one place without causing disturbance. Even when material, the Pudgala substance only becomes obstructive when it transforms into a gross form. In a subtle state, it neither obstructs anyone nor is obstructed by anyone. 12-16.
The characteristics of Dharma, Adharma, and Akasha by action, are "Dharmadharmayor Upakarah." 17. The mention of "Gatisthityupagraho" can be found in some texts, but according to the commentary, the reading "Gatisthityupagraho" appears more coherent. In the Digambara tradition, the reading "Gatisthityupagrau" is prevalent without dispute.