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The text explains the nature of non-living (ajeeva) substances in four verses, contrasting them with the pure living (jeeva) substance, which is characterized by the true and certain knowledge of the five astikayas (categories of existence). The four verses primarily focus on the non-living elements, with terms like 'Aayasakaal' (time) and 'Paat ka Gaara' (earth) being mentioned. To further differentiate, a single verse, starting with "Arsamaruvam," describes the pure living substance within the body. Thus, the text explains the nature of non-living substances through eight verses, concluding with the complete explanation of the community (samudaya).
The Hindi translation explains why space (aakash) and other elements are non-living. The text states that space, time, matter (pudgal), dharma-astikaya, and adharma-astikaya, the five types of non-living substances, lack the specific qualities (guna) of living beings. They are described as being devoid of consciousness (achetan). In contrast, living beings possess consciousness (chetan).
The verse explains that the ability to know all things in the three worlds at one time is the inherent nature of consciousness in living beings. This nature is absent in non-living substances, making them non-conscious. Only living beings are conscious.
The next verse further elaborates on the non-consciousness of space and other elements through an inference. It states that those who lack the ability to experience pleasure and pain, engage in beneficial actions, and fear harmful actions are considered non-living by the ascetics (shramanas).
The commentary clarifies that this verse establishes the general non-consciousness of space and other elements through inference. Since space and other elements lack the specific qualities of consciousness, such as the ability to experience pleasure and pain, engage in beneficial actions, and fear harmful actions, they are considered non-living.