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The Jaina world of Non-living
Kālasca
5.39
Time is also a reality 5.39. 1. Time has all the inherent characteristics of a reality as mentioned in 5.30 and 5.38. Therefore, time is also said to be a reality. 2. Q. How the time has characteristics of a reality? A. The same characteristics of reality can be proved for time as are found in other realities like space etc. For example, its permanence can be proved by its persistence in its own nature due to its inherent internal causes. The origination and destruction of time are dependent upon alien or external causes. They may also be due to internal causes with respect to the rythmic rise and fall in time due to the specific property of individuality (A-guru-laghutva).
Similarly, the time also possesses general and particular attributes. The particular attribute of time is the maintenance of continuity through changes. The general attributes are (i) non-livingness (ii) imperceptibility (iii) fineness and (iv) individuality etc. The modes of time satisfies both types of characteristics as mentioned earlier. (The proof for its existence has already been explained in aphorism 5.22 in terms of its function in assistance in continuity through changes). Its placement at the end of all the five realities has also been explained earlier. It would have the property of extension, had it been described, along with the rest of the realities).
The time is proved to be a reality. The following aphorism 5.40 indicates whether it is one like space or numerable, innumerable or infinite in extent : So-ananta-Samayah
5.40 The time consists of infinite Samaya units. (A 'Samaya' unit is the smallest and infinitesimal fraction of time instant) 5.40. 1. The atoms of primary absolute time have already been said to be innumerable like the spacepoints of extensive medium of motion etc. However, this aphorism is intended to determine the extent of apparent time. The present time consists of one instant or Samaya unit only. But the past and future times have endless time units of Samayas. Thus, the
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