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astikaya
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astikaya

Jaina philosophy
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In Jain philosophy, astikaya refers to the five eternal categories of being that constitute existence. These are dharma (medium of motion), adharma (medium of rest), akasha (space), pudgala (matter), and jiva (soul). The Digambara sect later added kala (time) as a sixth category.12

Pudgala is the only perceptible substance, while jiva is the only one with consciousness. The ultimate goal in Jainism is the liberation of the soul (moksha) from the cycle of rebirth, which is achieved by purifying the soul of accumulated karmas. Jainism posits that reality is eternal and uncreated, with these fundamental elements constantly changing.12

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. dravya
  2. Jainism - Time and the universe

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