What is substance according to Jainism?

dravya, (Sanskrit: “substance”) a fundamental concept of Jainism, a religion of India that is the oldest Indian school of philosophy to separate matter and soul completely. The Jains recognize the existence of five astikayas (eternal categories of being) which together make up the dravya (substance) of existence.

Is Jainism eternal?

According to its own traditions, the teachings of Jainism are eternal, and hence have no founder; however, the Jainism of this age can be traced back to Mahavira, a teacher of the sixth century BCE, a contemporary of the Buddha.

What are the two types of animate substance according to Jainism?

2.4 METAPHYSICS It draws a sharp distinction between animate substances (jivas : souls) and inanimate substances (ajivas : non-souls).

What are the 6 substances in Jainism?

According to the Jain philosophy, the universe is made up of six eternal substances: sentient beings or souls (jīva), non-sentient substance or matter (pudgala), principle of motion (dharma), the principle of rest (adharma), space (ākāśa) and time (kāla).

What are the 6 Dravyas in Jainism?

These six, Jiva, Pudgala, Dharma, Adharma, Kala, and Akasha, are called the six substances or Dravyas. Dravya literally means flowing or continuing. It is called so because it flows or continues the same through all its modifications. It is called “sat” or existence also.

How many types of jiva are described in Jainism?

As the soul cycles, states Padmanabh Jaini, Jainism traditions believe that it goes through five types of bodies: earth bodies, water bodies, fire bodies, air bodies and vegetable lives.

What is the difference between the jiva and Ajiva?

As nouns the difference between jiva and ajiva is that jiva is (in jainism ) all living beings; the essence or soul of such beings while ajiva is (in jainism ) all inanimate objects.

What are the six substances in Jainism?

According to the Jain philosophy, the universe is made up of six eternal substances: sentient beings or souls (jīva), non-sentient substance or matter (pudgala), principle of motion (dharma), the principle of rest (adharma), space (ākāśa) and time (kāla). The latter five are united as the ajiva (the non-living).

When was the Jaina teachings first collated and recorded?

5th century BCE, a contemporary of the Buddha) and possibly Parshvanatha (c.

What happens when one recognizes their true nature according to Jains?

Upon realizing the true nature of the soul and attaining omniscience (kevalajnana) he was recognized as a spiritual conqueror (Jina) and tirthankara, after which he began preaching the Jain vision.

What is the nature of universe according to Jainism?

According to Jains, the Universe is made up of six simple and eternal substances called dravya which are broadly categorized under Jiva (Living Substances) and Ajiva (Non Living Substances) as follows: Jīva i.e. Souls – Jīva exists as a reality, having a separate existence from the body that houses it.

What is Jain cosmology?

Jain Cosmology. What Is Jain Cosmology? Jain cosmology is the description of the shape and functioning of the Universe (loka) and its constituents (such as living beings, matter, space, time etc.) according to Jainism. Jain cosmology considers the universe, as an uncreated entity, existing since infinity, having neither beginning nor end.

What are the 6 substances of Jainism?

According to both Śvētāmbara and Digambara traditions of Jainism, there are six eternal substances in existence: Soul ( jiva ), Matter ( pudgala ), Space ( akasha ), motion ( Dharma) and rest ( Adharma) and “Time” ( kala) .

What is Jain theology?

Jain theology is seldom known for its simplicity. As a doctrine that deals with multifaceted subjects such as metaphysics, cosmology, epistemology, and divinity, it’s very easy to get lost in the smallest details.