what is space or empty space made up of then? and who hold the highest post in jainism
Answer
In Jain Dharma, space is called Ākāśa Dravya. It is not “made up” of matter. It is one of the six eternal substances of the universe.
The highest spiritual state in Jainism is attained by a Siddha — a liberated soul. There is no creator-God or supreme ruler in Jainism. The perfected liberated souls, called Siddhas, are at the highest state of existence.
Explanation
Jainism teaches that the universe is made of six eternal realities:
- Jīva – soul
- Pudgala – matter
- Dharma Dravya – medium of motion
- Adharma Dravya – medium of rest
- Ākāśa Dravya – space
- Kāla – time
So, empty space is not a vacuum made of particles in the Jain view. It is Ākāśa, an eternal substance whose function is to provide room or accommodation for other substances.
Jainism also distinguishes:
- Lokākāśa – the part of space where souls, matter, motion, rest, and time exist
- Alokākāśa – infinite space beyond the universe, where only space exists
Regarding the “highest post,” Jainism does not have a ruling God who controls the universe. Spiritually, the highest state is:
- Arihant – a living omniscient being who has destroyed the destructive karmas
- Siddha – a liberated soul who has destroyed all karmas and exists forever at the top of the universe in perfect purity, knowledge, bliss, and freedom
Among these, Siddha is the final and highest liberated state.
Spiritual Understanding
In Jain Dharma, every soul has the potential to become a Siddha. No soul is permanently inferior or superior by creation. Through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct, the soul can remove karma and reach liberation.
Takeaway
According to Jainism, space is an eternal substance called Ākāśa, and the highest spiritual position is Siddhahood — the fully liberated state of the soul.