Jain Knowledge
Menu
  • JainGPT
  • Jain Directory
    • Jain Tirthsthaans
    • Jain Sangeetkars
    • Jain Pandits
    • Jain Acharya
    • Jain Businessman
  • Jain Media
    • Jain Stavan
    • Jain Pachkhan
    • Jain Stories
    • Jain Sutras
    • Jain Facts / Concepts
  • Advertise with us
Jain Knowledge
login Register

Get In Touch

phone
info@jainknowledge.com

online support

phone
Mumbai

India

  • Home
  • Jain Questions
  • What is six dravya
  • author Posted by
    Jain Follower

    What is six dravya

    12 months ago 417

    Six Dravya (sapta-dravya) are the fundamental substances acknowledged in Jain philosophy. The common list of six is:

    • Jiva (living souls): conscious beings with the capacity for bondage and liberation.
    • Ajiva (non-living entities): everything that is not a living soul, including matter and cause of karmic bondage.
    • Pudgala (matter): gross and subtle matter that forms physical stuff around us.
    • Kala (time): the universal medium in which all changes occur; time is a substance.
    • Dharma (principle of motion of soul and matter): a subtle principle that allows movement.
    • Adharma (principle of rest or resistance): a subtle principle that allows rest and prevents movement.

    Notes:

    • These six are the standard dravya (substances) in Jain metaphysics. Some scriptures and traditions also discuss eleven or more tattvas (categories involved in bondage and liberation), but the six dravya are the core physical and functional substances.
    • There is no essential difference between Digambar and Shvetambar regarding the basic list of six dravya; differences arise in interpretation of certain subtler tattvas and metaphysical details, not the fundamental six.

    If you’d like, I can explain how each dravya interacts with karma and helps explain Jain ideas of bondage and liberation.

    About Jain Knowledge

    JainGPT by JainKnowledge.com is India’s first AI-powered platform dedicated entirely to Jainism. Here, you can ask any question related to Jain Dharma — from rituals and history to philosophy and daily practices — and receive instant, accurate answers rooted in Jain principles.

    Our mission is to make Jain knowledge accessible to all, especially the next generation, through the power of technology. Whether you're a curious student or a lifelong seeker, JainGPT is your trusted digital guide for all things Jain.

    Authentic Jain knowledge, made simple and accessible for every generation.
    Follow Us
    Facebook ↗ Instagram ↗

    Stay connected for Jain knowledge, insights and community updates.

    Jain Knowledge

    JainGPT by JainKnowledge.com is India’s first AI-powered platform dedicated entirely to Jainism. Ask questions related to Jain Dharma, rituals, history, philosophy and daily practices, and receive answers rooted in Jain principles.

    Explore
    • JainGPT
    • Jain Directory
    • Jain Media
    • Advertise With Us
    • Disclaimer
    Our Mission

    Our mission is to make Jain knowledge accessible to all, especially the next generation, through the power of technology. Whether you're a curious student or a lifelong seeker, JainGPT is your trusted digital guide for all things Jain.

    info@jainknowledge.com Online support
    Mumbai India

    Copyright © 2026 Jain Knowledge

    Created by Katalyst Corp.