"Pancaṣṭikāyaśāra" is a Sanskrit term derived from the combination of two words - "panca" meaning "five" and "aṣṭikāyaśāra" meaning "essence of eight elements". It refers to a philosophical concept in Jainism that represents the ultimate reality or the fundamental essence of existence.
In Jain philosophy, it is believed that the universe consists of infinite substances, both living and non-living, which are classified into six fundamental substances - jīva (soul or consciousness), ajīva (non-living or matter), puṇya (merit), pāpa (sin), ākāśa (space), and kāla (time). However, in the context of pancastikayasara, these six substances are further reduced to five, excluding puṇya and pāpa.
According to the pancastikayasara doctrine, the five essential substances or aspects of reality are jīva, ajīva, ākāśa, kāla, and dharmastikāya (the principle of motion and rest). These five elements are considered the building blocks of the universe and encapsulate the essential nature of all entities within it.
The pancastikayasara doctrine emphasizes the interdependence and interconnectedness of these five entities. It asserts that all physical and spiritual phenomena arise due to the interaction of these five elements, shaping the multifaceted nature of reality.
The understanding and contemplation of pancastikayasara allows individuals to gain insights into the nature of existence, the functioning of karma (the law of cause and effect), and the path to liberation from the cycle of birth
