Answer

In Jain Dharma, Dravya means substance or reality — something that truly exists.

A dravya has its own existence and undergoes changes while still remaining the same substance in essence.

Explanation

Jain philosophy explains that reality is made up of six eternal substances, called Ṣaḍ Dravya:

• Jīva – Soul or living substance
• Pudgala – Matter
• Dharma Dravya – Medium of motion
• Adharma Dravya – Medium of rest
• Ākāśa – Space
• Kāla – Time

A dravya has three aspects:

• Utpāda – arising of new modes
• Vyaya – passing away of old modes
• Dhrauvya – permanence of the substance

This means a substance changes in form or condition, but its essential nature continues.

Spiritual Understanding

Understanding dravya helps us understand the Jain view of reality. The soul is a real substance, separate from the body and matter. Because of karma, the soul experiences worldly existence, but in its pure nature it has infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and energy.

Takeaway

Dravya means an eternal substance that exists, changes in modes, yet remains permanent in its essential nature.