Jain Study Center NC Raleigh 1997 11 YJA Regional Convention

Author(s): Jain Study Center NC Raleigh
Publisher: USA Jain Study Center NC Raleigh

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Both Dravya (substance) and modes (Paryayas) are inseparable from an entity.
The same principle can be explained differently as follows:
An entity is permanent (nitya) from the standpoint of its attributes or qualities (Dravya). This is known as substantial standpoint (Dravyarthik-naya).
An entity is transient (anitya) from the standpoint of its forms or modifications (Paryaya). This is known as modal standpoint (Paryayarthik-naya).
A natural description of reality takes into consideration these three aspects:
Permanence in the midst of change Identity in the midst of diversity Unity in the midst of multiplicity
The modifications that an entity undergoes refer to the various shapes and forms into which a substance is transformed, either naturally or artificially.
Examples: A living being through the process of growth undergoes various changes, such as childhood, youth, and old age. These changes are the natural modifications of the living being.
- Childhood, youth, and old age are transient forms known as Paryaya - Soul of a living being is a permanent form known as Dravya
A potter molds clay into a pot. A goldsmith crafts gold into various ornaments. These changes are artificial modifications of the nonliving being.
- Ornaments and pot are transient forms known as Paryayas - Gold and clay are permanent forms known as Dravya
While undergoing various modifications, either natural or artificial, the basic substance remains unchanged and is permanent, while its form changes and is transient.
Six Universal Substances:
As explained above Jainism believes that the universe is made from the combination of the six universal substances. All of the six substances are indestructible, imperishable, immortal, eternal and continuously go through countless changes.
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