Jaina World of Non Living

Author(s): N L Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

Page 57

The Jaina world of Non-living
A. This is not correct. There are authentic instructions in this matter. There would have been canonical contrariety if one would have said one-sidedly that there is no substratum-substrateness between space and other realities. However, when statements are made with respect to space, time etc., it does not involve canonical contraritety. Thus, in some respects, there may be substratum-substrateness, while in other cases there may not be so. Q. How this point can be explained ? A. This could be explained on the aspectal basis. With respect to substantivity, there may not be substratum-substrateness among space and other realities. Under the secondariness of modificational aspect and primariness of substantivity, each of the realities has an independent, beginningless and inherent existence. Hence, there is no question of their substratum-substrateness. However, when substantivity becomes secondary and modificational aspects become primary, all the six realities have origins and, therefore, there can be substratum-substrateness. It is with respect to modal point of view that the canons described their substratum-substrateness. Thus, there is no canonical contrariety here.
Alternatively, there could be substratum-substrateness with respect to practical standpoint. Despite the beginningless character of the universe, the popular opinion supports the above canonical statement. However, with respect of actualistic standpoint, there could not be this type of relationship as all the realities are self-based under the concept of beginningless universe. Q. If one agrees the substratum-substrate-relationship with respect to practical standpoint, it will lead to infinite regression. It is as follows: (a) Dense-air-layer is the base of dense-water-layer. (b) Thin-air-layer is the base of dense-air-layer. (c) Space is the base of thin-air-layer. (d) Some other entity will be the base of space (e) Some other entity will be the base for (d) and so on. A. This is not correct. The space is infinite and pervasive. Whatever is pervasive and infinite, it is found everywhere. Thus, there could be no statement like 'some other entity as base for space' etc. and, therefore, no
52