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there is a correct theory to explain a particular phenomenon or thing, or it may have real existence. Jain metaphysics described space as an astikaya, i.e., an extended substance, which has an independent objective existence.
This shows that the space no more remains a mere order of things, but takes the form of some reality or field which has curvature. This is an independent reality, that is, akāśa. We are measuring everything with respect to this space, which is real and independent and therefore could serve as absolute space for our purpose. The whole finite universe is nothing but bubble of energy (Pudgala). In the Universe, Maxwell's equations have solution even in vacuum, that is, Electro-magnetic waves exist even in vacuum. So, residual curvature exists even in vacuum. One can, therefore, take space and ether as one and the same, synonym to each other and hence ether is not needed separately. In this sense ether has been abolished but has appeared in the form of space itself. Ether is not kind of matter (fluid) having some rigidity etc. Symbols appearing in equations like E=mc2, Einstein's Field Equations, tensors, etc., represent state of ether, while mathematical equations show the relationship among symbols, themselves, as its characteristics. Space itself is energy.
The Jain philosophy defines akāśa as an objective reality or real substance giving room to other substances. General theory of relativity unifies space with gravitational field or the material field which includes electromagnetic field as well.
As far as the curvature of the Universe is concerned, a problem before scientists, on account of the solutions of field equations of the Universe, is whether the curvature is +ve or -ve. If the curvature is +ve, the Universe would be finite and closed and if the curvature is - ve, the Universe would be infinite and open.
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