Answer

In Jain Dharma, Dravya means a real substance or entity that exists, while Tattva means a fundamental truth or principle that helps us understand the nature of reality and the path to liberation.

In simple words:

• Dravya answers: “What exists?”
• Tattva answers: “What truth must be understood for liberation?”

Explanation

Dravya refers to the basic substances of the universe. Jain philosophy commonly explains six dravyas:

• Jiva – soul
• Pudgala – matter
• Dharma Dravya – medium of motion
• Adharma Dravya – medium of rest
• Akasha – space
• Kala – time

These are the substances that make up reality.

Tattva refers to the essential truths that explain spiritual life, bondage, and liberation. Jain Dharma commonly explains seven tattvas:

• Jiva – soul
• Ajiva – non-soul
• Asrava – inflow of karma
• Bandha – bondage of karma
• Samvara – stoppage of karma
• Nirjara – shedding of karma
• Moksha – liberation

Sometimes Punya and Papa are added, making nine tattvas.

Key Difference

• Dravya is an ontological concept: it explains the substances that exist.
• Tattva is a spiritual-philosophical concept: it explains the truths necessary for right faith and liberation.
• Dravya describes reality as substances.
• Tattva describes reality from the viewpoint of spiritual progress.

Example

Jiva appears in both:

• As a dravya, Jiva means the soul as a real, eternal substance.
• As a tattva, Jiva means the soul understood as a truth necessary for spiritual awakening.

Spiritual Understanding

Understanding dravya helps us know what reality is made of.

Understanding tattva helps us know how the soul becomes bound by karma and how it can become liberated.

Takeaway

Dravya is about the substances of existence. Tattva is about the truths that guide the soul toward moksha.