Significance of Six Substances
Six Substances in Jainism represents both a philosophical framework and a classification of fundamental materials. It includes six essential elements: soul (jiva), matter (pudgala), medium of motion (dharma), medium of rest (adharma), space (akasha), and time (kala). This concept emphasizes that soul and worldly elements are eternal and can coexist without losing their distinct characteristics. Additionally, the term relates to elements perceived in rituals, symbolizing various spiritual truths within Jain teachings.
Synonyms: Six elements, Six components
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Six Substances'
In Hinduism, the Six Substances represent elements perceived during rituals, symbolizing deeper spiritual truths and guiding the pupil's understanding and connection to the sacred.
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) Elements that the pupil is guided to perceive during the ritual, which are symbolic of various spiritual truths.[1]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The Jainas categorize the world into six substances (dravya), which are souls (jiva), merit (dharma), demerit (adharma), bodies (pudgala), time (kala), and space (akasha).[2]
Jain concept of 'Six Substances'
The Six Substances in Jainism encompasses the soul, matter, mediums of motion and rest, space, and time, highlighting a philosophy where distinct materials coexist eternally while presenting contrasts to other spiritual teachings.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The six fundamental substances in Jain philosophy: soul (jiva), matter (pudgala), medium of motion (dharma), medium of rest (adharma), space (akasha), and time (kala).[3] (2) A reference to the six types of materials (dravya) that can coexist and interpenetrate in the same space without losing their distinct characteristics.[4]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) A concept by some that proposes the soul and worldly elements as eternal and unchanging, which contradicts certain spiritual teachings.[5]