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Letter 10
This attribute shows that each substance is self existent since eternal times and will remain in existence till eternity. It has not been created by anybody and nobody can destroy it. And at the same time no new substance can come into existence. Since each substance has its own attribute of existence, it has its own entity.
Thus two or more substances can never merge into one another to form a new substance and have one single existence. Similarly the total quantity of the substances in the cosmos can not be increased by creation of a new substance.
The scientists have proved that matter which is in fact Pudgal substance is always constant and can never be destroyed, it only changes its form. In fact this is true in case of all the six substances. Each substance constantly and continuously exists. Only its modifications change.
Scientists have experimented on Pudgal in their laboratories, and have gained some knowledge about it. But in case of soul or Atma, its experiment can not be performed in any laboratory. In fact, one can experiment and know the soul substance, by experimenting within himself i.e. one has to experiment and experience his existence by himself. This procedure is known as Atmanubhooti( cut ).
Our learned sages and teachers had experimented and experienced their own self. And accordingly they have written down the scriptures. This is also a science. And it is known as Veetaraga Vidnyan ( Gitarem faw ).
In the scripture Tattvarthasutra martest, the characteristic of any substance is described as Sat (HT). It says 'HCL FAUTE' i.e. Existence is the character ( FUT) of Dravya. Sat means existence or to be.
Who has created or held this existence? Is it by God ? Nol each substance has its own existence because of its attribute of Astitva. It does not need any help or support of any other substance for its existence.
Let me tell you a story. A man wanted some work to be done in a government office. But he did not have his birth certificate, or ration card, or any other proof of his identity. He was asked to prove or show any document of his identity or existence. He told the officer," here I am physically present before you and alive, what more proof do you want?"
Today we are all in the same situation. The soul which has the capacity to know the whole cosmos, which has the wisdom to decipher, to analyse, to take decisions, is asking the proof of his own existence. Is it not an ironical situation ?
