The Six Substances (Dravyas) and Astikaya
In Jain philosophy, all existence is classified into six fundamental substances (Dravyas). These substances are eternal, uncreated, and indestructible. They are divided into Jīva (Living Beings) and Ajīva (Non-Living Substances).
The Six Substances (Dravyas)
Jīva (Living Beings): These are sentient entities possessing inherent consciousness, capable of experiencing pain, pleasure, and progressing toward liberation. Example: Humans, animals, insects, and microorganisms.
Pudgala (Matter): This includes all physical substances, from the smallest atoms to large objects. It has color, taste, smell, and touch. Example: A piece of gold or a clay pot.
Dharma (Medium of Motion): Just as a fish moves through water while the water itself remains static, Dharma Dravya serves as a medium that enables movement without itself being in motion. Example: A fish moves in water, but the water itself remains static. Similarly, Dharma Dravya enables movement without being in motion itself.
Adharma (Medium of Rest): This allows beings and matter to stay still. Example: Like a shade gives rest to a tired traveler, Adharma enables stillness.
Ākāsha (Space): The vast, infinite space that accommodates all other substances. Example: The sky that holds all planets and stars.
Kāla (Time): The factor that enables transformation and change. Example: The way day turns into night or a seed grows into a tree.
Examples of the Six Substances (Dravyas) in Jain Philosophy
To better understand the six substances, Jain philosophy provides classical examples that illustrate their characteristics:
Jīva (Living Beings)
Example: A lamp (दीपक)
Explanation: Just as a lamp emits light, a soul radiates consciousness. Every Jīva has the potential to attain liberation, just as a lamp can illuminate a dark space.
Pudgala (Matter)
Example: A pot (घट) or a lump of clay
Explanation: Pudgala consists of atoms (Paramāṇus) that combine to form aggregates (Skandhas), just as clay can be shaped into a pot. Pudgala has color, taste, smell, and touch, distinguishing it from other substances.
Dharma (Medium of Motion)
Example: Water for a fish (मत्स्यजल)
Explanation: A fish moves in water, but the water itself remains static. Similarly, Dharma Dravya enables movement without being in motion itself.
Adharma (Medium of Rest)
Example: Shade for a tired traveler (वृक्षच्छाया)
Explanation: A traveler can rest under the shade of a tree, but the shade does not force them to stop. Similarly, Adharma Dravya provides the medium for rest but does not cause stillness.
Ākāsha (Space)
Example: A container (पात्र)
Explanation: Just as a pot holds water, space accommodates all substances. It provides room for existence but does not interfere with anything within it.
Kāla (Time)
Example: A wheel (चक्र)
Explanation: A wheel does not push or pull objects, but as it rotates, things move with it. Similarly, Kāla does not act directly on any substance but enables change and transformation over time.
Astikaya – The Concept of Spatial Connection
The term Astikaya does not mean "extended substances" but refers to a substance whose Pradeshas (spatial units) are inherently connected and inseparable. These substances either exist as a unified whole or have the ability to form bondages.
Jīvāstikaya (Living Beings) – A soul has innumerable Pradeshas that remain inseparably connected within its existence.
Pudgalāstikaya (Matter) – Matter exists in the form of indivisible units (Paramāṇus) that can combine to form aggregates (Skandhas).
Dharmāstikaya (Medium of Motion) – Present throughout Lokākāsha (the universe), it enables movement but remains static itself.
Adharmāstikaya (Medium of Rest) – Also spread throughout Lokākāsha, it allows rest and stability.
Ākāshāstikaya (Space) – Infinite and divided into Lokākāsha (universe) and Alokākāsha (beyond the universe). All other substances exist only in Lokākāsha.
Kāla (Time) is not an Astikaya because its units (Samayas) exist independently and do not possess spatial continuity like the other Astikayas. However, Kāla is essential for change and transformation throughout Lokākāsha. However, Kāla is omnipresent throughout Lokākāsha.
Exercise
Think and Answer:
What are the six fundamental substances (Dravyas) in Jain philosophy?
How does Dharma Dravya help in movement? Why does it remain static?
What is the difference between Lokākāsha and Alokākāsha? Where do the five Astikayas exist?
Why is Kāla (Time) not considered an Astikaya?
Explain the meaning of Astikaya and give an example of how its Pradeshas are inherently connected.
Match the following examples with the correct Dravya:
(a) A pot → ( )
(b) A lamp → ( )
(c) Water for a fish → ( )
(d) Shade for a traveler → ( )
(e) A wheel → ( )
(f) A container → ( )
Activity:
Draw a diagram representing the six substances and their roles in the universe.
Create a table listing the Astikayas, their definitions, and examples.
Discuss with your family how understanding these Dravyas helps in Jain philosophical thinking.
Find more examples of each Dravya from your surroundings and explain why they fit into that category.
Think and Answer:
What are the six fundamental substances (Dravyas) in Jain philosophy?
How does Dharma Dravya help in movement? Why does it remain static?
What is the difference between Lokākāsha and Alokākāsha? Where do the five Astikayas exist?
Why is Kāla (Time) not considered an Astikaya?
Explain the meaning of Astikaya and give an example of how its Pradeshas are inherently connected.
Activity:
Draw a diagram representing the six substances and their roles in the universe.
Create a table listing the Astikayas, their definitions, and examples.
Discuss with your family how understanding these Dravyas helps in Jain philosophical thinking.
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