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Six Universal Substances (Dravyas or Entities)
Pravin K. Shah Jain Study Center of NC
Structural View of the Universe
Jain Philosophy does not give credence to the theory that God is the creator, survivor, or destroyer of the universe. On the contrary, it asserts that the universe has always existed and will always exist in exact adherence to the laws of the cosmos. There is nothing but infinity both in the past and in the future.
The world of reality or universe consists of two classes of objects:
Living beings Non-living objects
- conscious, soul, chetan, jiva - unconscious, matter, achetan, ajiva
Non-living objects are further classified into five categories
Matter Space Medium of motion Medium of rest Time
- Pudgal - Akas - Dharmastikay - Adharmastikay - Kaal or Samaya
The five non-living entities together with the living being, totaling six are aspects of reality in Jainism. They are also known as six universal entities, or substances or dravyas.
These six entities of the universe continuously undergo countless changes, but nothing is lost or destroyed. Everything is recycled into another form.
The Concept of Reality or Entity or Substance (Dravya): A reality is defined to have an existence, which is known as Sat or truth.
Each reality or entity continuously undergoes countless changes known as origination and destruction. This is known as modification or Paryaya of a substance.
In the midst of modification of a substance, its qualities remain unchanged, which is called permanence. This is also known as Dravya of the substance.
Hence every entity (substance or object) in the universe has three aspects:
Origination Destruction Permanence
- Utpada - Vyaya - Dhrauvya
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