Ajiva
From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia
By Swami Harshananda
Ajiva literally means ‘the non-living or inanimate’.
Jain metaphysics divides dravya or substance into two broad groups :
- Astikāya - that which has a body and hence extended in space
- Anastikāya - that which has no body
The astikāyas are again subdivided into two parts :
- Jīva - animate
- Ajīva - inanimate
Ajīva is further subdivided into four parts :
- Dharma - the medium necessary for motion
- Adharma - medium necessary for rest or immobility
- Ākāśa - space
- Pudgala - matter
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore