Answer

In Jainism, matter changes by its own nature and through conditions, not because a conscious soul is acting as the doer.

Explanation

In Jain philosophy, pudgala (matter) is a real substance with its own qualities and modes. It is naturally subject to parinama — transformation or change.

So matter changes because:

• it has an inherent nature to transform,
• it is influenced by time, space, and other conditions,
• it undergoes change through its own material cause.

This does not mean a soul must be the karta of that change.

Important Jain distinction

• Karta in the strict spiritual sense refers to the soul when it acts with consciousness and intention.
• Matter does not have consciousness, so it does not act like a soul.
• Matter simply changes state according to its own nature.

About karma

In Jainism, karma is also a form of subtle matter. So karma itself changes and binds according to laws of causation. But that does not mean a conscious soul is personally creating every material change in the universe.

Spiritual Understanding

This teaching helps us understand that:

• the soul and matter are distinct,
• the soul is responsible for conscious bondage and liberation,
• matter follows its own natural transformations.

When we correctly understand this, we stop confusing the soul with non-living substance. That clarity is very important in Jain Dharma.

Takeaway

Matter changes not because of a conscious karta, but because change is its own natural property. In Jain view, the soul is the real knower and doer in conscious matters, while matter simply transforms according to its nature.