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Chapter 14 - Shad Dravya (Six Universal Substances) Shad Dravya (Six Universal Substances) Since the dawn of civilization, men in different times have tried to solve the riddle of the Universe. They have tried to find out what the Universe was, what was its origin and destiny, its size and shape, who created it, why, how and when. The result of these deliberations has given rise to a number of theories that have taken the form of different philosophical schools. According to Jain metaphysics, the universe is not a created entity but it has always been in existence and shall always be there. Neither there was a beginning nor is there going to be an end. In other words, the universe was neither created by any one nor will it be destroyed. If we look at physics and the atom, it is a well-established fact that an atom cannot be created nor can it ever be destroyed. Since the universe was never created, the questions of creation or a creator does not arise. In all, there are six elements:
• Jiva - Jivästikäya (The living being or souls) • Pudgal - Pudgalästikäya (Matter)
Dharma - Dharmästikäya (Medium of motion) Adharma - Adharmästikäya (Medium of rest)
Äkäshästikäya (Space) • Käl (Time) The term Astikaya is formed of two words: Asti + käya. Asti denotes Pradesha (smallest part - equivalent of Paramänu) and Kaya denotes Samuh (collection). Paramänu means atom. Paramänu is the smallest possible form that is indivisible. Therefore, Astikäya means aggregate of Pradesha. All of the six substances are indestructible, imperishable, immortal, and eternal, and they continuously undergo changes. Common Attributes of all Dravyas: Astitva
Non-destructible Vastutva Functional existence Dravyatva Basis for a change of states Prameyatva Quality of a substance Pradeshatva Shape Aguru-laghu Quality that does not allow a substance to be
changed or mixed into another substance
2
va
Soul
Special Attributes of each Dravya:
Consciousness, Perception, knowledge,
energy, without form Matter
No Consciousness, Touch, taste, smell, color,
with form or shape Medium of No Consciousness, helps in movement, motion
without form Medium of rest No Consciousness helps to stop, without form
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