Meaning of astikay
Astikaya means a substance that exists and has many parts or divisions (pradeshas). In Jainism, five substances are called Astikaya because they exist and are made up of many pradeshas:
- Jiva (soul)
- Pudgala (matter)
- Dharma (medium of motion)
- Adharma (medium of rest)
- Akasha (space)
Kala (time) is not considered Astikaya because it does not have multiple parts in the same way.
So, Astikaya = that which exists and is composed of many parts. The idea is that these five substances pervade the universe in numerous divisions, while Kala is treated differently in some texts.