According to Jainism, the universe (loka) is eternal and has no beginning or end. It was not created by any god or divine being. Instead, it always existed and will always exist. The universe operates according to its own inherent laws and is made up of six eternal substances (dravya): soul (jiva), matter (pudgala), principle of motion (dharma), principle of rest (adharma), space (akasha), and time (kala). Change and transformation occur within the universe, but the fundamental substances are uncreated and indestructible. Thus, Jainism teaches that the universe did not "begin" but is eternal and self-regulated.