Outlines of Jainism c7.s2: Metaphysics

c7.s2.1

In metaphysics man through different ages and stages of philosophy has observed the self and the non-self, and has always tried to apotheosize the one or the other, or to strike a sort of compromise between the two. He has formulated either one substance, like the Brahma of the Vedantist or the matter of the materialist, or else many substances like the Sāṅkhya, or else two substances. Jainism takes its stand upon a common-sense basis, which can be verified by everyone for himself. Jaina metaphysics divides the Universe into two everlasting, uncreated, coexisting, but independent categories—the soul (jīva), the non-soul (ajīva or non-jīva). Logically it is a perfect division and unassailable. The non-soul is distinguished under five heads: matter, time, space, and the principles of motion and stationariness. The soul is the higher and the only responsible category. Except in its perfect condition in the final stage of liberation (*nirvāṇa*), it is always in combination with matter. The body — the non-soul — is the lower category, and must be subdued by the soul. The link of union between the soul and the non-soul is *karma*; and the production, fruition, and destruction of *karma*, together with the soul and the non-soul, are called the Principles (*tattvas*) of Jainism.