Treatise on Jainism

Author(s): Jayantibhai S Sanghvi
Publisher: S J Sanghvi

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A Treatise on Jainism Space consists of the Universe (Loka) and the Non-universe (Aloka). Space and Time are co-extensive and infinite. These six, Jiva, Pudgala, Dharma, Adharma, Kala and Akasha, are called the six substances or Dravyas. Dravya literally means flowing, or continuing. It is so called because it flows or continues the same through all its modifications. It is called “Sat” or Existence also. Existence or Substance is a collective name for a trinityunity of Birth (Utpada), Decay (Vyaya) and Continuance(Dhrauvya). A substance further is a group of attributes (Guna) and modifications (Paryaya). Some attributes are general or common for all the six substances, others are special. Common attributes are necessary for the existence of the group as a group or substance. These are infinite but 6 are principal :(1) Astitva, Isness; Indestructibility; perma
nence; the capacity by which a substance cannot be destroyed. Vastutva, Functionality; capacity by which a substance has function. Dravyatva, Changeability; capacity by which it is always changing in modifications.