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it is reduced to nothing if it is drawn upon continually. This will not be the state of things. The bhavya souls are infinite in number, and a time will never come when there will be no bhavya soul. For instance, time keeps on passing, but we find that even with the subtraction of time-points, the infinite future always persists, or even if we keep on subtractiny space-points, the infinite äkāśa will never come to an end, Similarly bhavya souls being infinite in number there will never be an end to them even if every moment some of them are emancipated (1827).
The effect or result of the past and the future is the same. If only an infinitesimal part of the assemblage of bhavya souls has become siddha (perfect), has reached the state of perfection in the past, an equal number will be emancipated in the future. Hence there will never come a time when the number of bhavya souls will be exhausted. One may feel like asking as to how it can be ascertained that the bhavya souls are infinite in number and that only an infinitesimal part of it has reached the stage of perfection, have become siddha, Mahāvīra's reply is that this is exactly as in the case of Time and Akāśa (ether or space) which are infinite and are never exhausted. Moreover Mandika should have faith in Lord Mahāvīra's words, as he has reason to do so on the basis of Mahāvīra's veracity right till then starting from his knowledge of Mandika's doubt. Mahāvīra is omniscient and free from likes and dislikes, so his words should be accepted as true like those of a dispassionate
is in the know of facts. Mahavira has removed the doubts of all, hence this claiin of his. If still there is any doubt, it is open to all to seek of Mahāvīra a solution to whatsoever doubt they have and make sure for themselves of Mahā vīra's omniscience (1828-32).
It may be questioned that is, as Lord Mahāvīra says, even the bhavya souls will not be emancipated in all time, then they are abhavya and there is no sense in distinguishing them as bhavya as against the abhavya ones. But there is a misunderstanding here. By 'bhavya' is meant one who is capable
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