________________
Key Principles of Jainism
S. GAJAPATHI
1. Substances-Why and How they function
Jainism is a revelation by the Tirthankara Jinas who are omniscients. Hence Jainism provides answers for all questions beginning with either 'Why' or 'How'.
Jaina definition of the substance is the most notable feature of all. It has to be studied and understood by every philosopher and scientist.
Jainism states that the substances composing the universe are beginningless, endless, self-sufficient and fixed.
If a substance is considered as begun, it will mean that something can come out of nothing. In that case, firstly, infinite new substances will be originating and then recognition will cease. This is not the case. Secondly, jars will originate even in the absence of mud. This neither happened nor will it ever happen. Naturally it follows that substances are beginningless.
If the substance is considered to come to an end, then (in the absence of spontaneous creation) it will mean that the present substance is the product of a preceeding substance, and that to a second preceeding substance and that to a third preceeding substance and so on in an unending series or infinite regress.
If the substance is not considered as self-sufficient, i.e., not possessed of attributes, substance (Guni) and attribute (Guna) each one will remain separate. In that case both will become substance and substances will become infinite. Again in the absence of attributes identification of the substance will cease and all substances will become one.
As all substances are beginningless and endless there cannot be any increase or decrease; or any division or merging. Hence the number of substances are ever fixed.
1 Pancadhyayi.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
