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(Step One) The Universe-Six Substances
(The Dravya)
1. Since the dawn of civilization men, in different times and different climes, 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 number of theories which have taken the form of different philosophical schools. The answers given by the different schools of thought are at considerable variance from each other, sometimes even contradictory, and the mystery has only deepened rather than getting resolved.
2. Similarly all the scientific research and developments have been unable to unravel completely this mystery, that is the universe, and the questions about why and when and how of it remain unanswered. The advances in nuclear research and the entry into the space age by man has left him more mystified-even ignorant-about the Universe.' Actually, today the scientists feel that the more they know, they realise that, they know less and less about the great cosmic phenomena. The scientists find themselves rapidly discarding their old theories which were accepted as gospel truths. Perforce one has to return to the realm of religion and philosophy-which though giving varying interpretations of the problems surrounding the cosmos are at least consistent and logical in their own way.
3. Amongst this multitude of philosophies Jain philosophy provides answers to these questions which appear simple yet logical and convincing. According to Jain metaphysics the universe is an uncreated entity which has always been in existence and shall always be there. There was neither any beginning of the universe nor is there going to be any end. In other words neither the universe
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