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अजीवाधिकार
The function of the space (ākāśa) is to provide accommodation (avagaha).
2- THE NON-SOUL
The assistance rendered by the space (ākāśa) is to give room to the other substances (dravya), such as the souls (jiva) and the matter (pudgala). Now, it is proper to say that the space gives room to the souls and forms of matter which are characterized by activity. But the media of motion and of rest are inactive (nişkriya) and eternally pervasive. How can penetration apply to these substances? The objection is untenable, as penetration is established by convention. For instance, the space (ākāśa) is spoken of as pervading everywhere, although there is no movement. This is because the space (ākāśa) exists everywhere. Similarly, though there is no penetration by the media of motion and of rest, it is attributed conventionally as these permeate the entire universe-space.1
Acārya Nemicandra's Dravyasamgraha:
अवगासदाणजोग्गं जीवादीणं वियाण आयासं । जेण्हं लोगागासं अल्लोगागासमिदि दुविहं ॥१९॥
जो जीव आदि द्रव्यों को अवकाश देने वाला है उसको श्रीजिनेन्द्र देव द्वारा कहा हुआ आकाश - द्रव्य जानो। वह लोकाकाश और अलोकाकाश इन भेदों से दो प्रकार का है।
As per the Word of Lord Jina, the substance which provides accommodation to substances, like souls, is to be known as the ākāśa (the space). The ākāśa comprises two parts: the lokākāśa (the universe space), and the alokākāśa (the non-universe space).
1- Acārya Umāsvāmī's Tattvārthasūtra - With Explanation in English from Acarya Pujyapada's Sarvārthasiddhi, sūtra 5-18, p. 197-198.
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