Jainism

Author(s): Herbert Warren
Publisher: Divine Knowledge Society

Page 23

JAINISM
13 This definition is from the point of view of the permanent nature of the thing, (dravyarthika-naya). In spite of the differences in the units making up the mass of any substance, still there is the unity in the mass. Conscious individuals, for instance, are not identical with each other, but still there is the mass, soulness; it is one substance.
Definition No. 2.–Substance is the subject of qualities (guna) and modifications (paryaya). This definition is from the point of view of the state of a thing (paryayarthika-naya), that is, of its changing nature or modification. The quality stays with the substance, and is constant; the modifications succeed each other. A particular piece of clay always has form, but not always the same form. It is never without form; form is a constant quality; it may be now round, then square; these are modifications.
Definition No. 3.-Substance is that in which there are origination, destruction, and permanence. This definition is from the two previous points of view taken together. With the origination of a new mode of existence there was the destruction of the old mode of existence, while the substance has remained permanent. With the destruction of a house there is the origination or coming into existence of a heap of debris, while the bricks, etc., are the same. The substance is neither destroyed nor originated, only the mode of existence; only the relations between the parts, in this case.
Definition No. 4.–Substance is that which performs a special action. This is from an ordinary point of view, and would hold good only of a special substance.