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imperceptible changes as well as perceptible gross changes. Without it these changes would not take place as it is assisting cause. Friends to my mind life is all about time. Things happen when the time is right. What is right time is a function of our karmas and the laws of nature.
Space-Point (Pradesa) A space point means the most subtle (i.e. indivisible ultimate) unit. Medium of motion - rest, space & matter are the four insentient substances and one sentient substance the soul is possessed of many space points. All understand that the ultimate indivisible units of physical objects like a pot are atoms. And these atoms are called space points so long as they are integrated into the whole (avayavi). But when they are disintegrated from it and are free, they are called atoms.
The space points of the above-mentioned four non-physical substances are of a special type. They are mutually absolutely inseparable and form a perfect unity. They are never disintegrated or separated from their substances as those of a physical object like a pot are. They are identical with their substance; they together form an impartite unity. These four substances under consideration, which have space points of this type, are eternal.
Substances of the Nature of a Collection of Space-points (Astikaya) A soul, medium of motion and rest possesses innumerable space-points each. Space has infinite space-points. Space confined to the universe has innumerable space-points, while space, which there in the region beyond the universe has infinite space-points. Thus these five substances (medium of motion – rest, space, matter, time) are of the forms of a collection of space-points. Hence they are called Astikaya i.e. formed of two words 'asti' (space-point) and kaya (a collection). So Astikaya means that which is of the nature of a collection of space points'. Medium of motion - rest and space are having only one individual or instance, souls are infinite and matter is a substance having infinite instances in the form of atoms. Time is not of the nature of a collection of space-points. In its case space-point is but a moment. There is no possibility of two moments existing simultaneously and hence there is no possibility of a collection of moments. As time is but a moment, the term astikaya is not applicable to it.
In all, there are six substances recognized in Jaina philosophy – five extended plus one non-extended. For those who do not regards time as an independent substance, there are five substances only.
Chapter 5 Karma
Auspicious Karma (Punya) and Inauspicious Karma (Papa)
The term 'karma' means mental, vocal or bodily act as also a trace or impression that the act leaves behind on the soul. In the present context, karma means the latter meaning
