Dravya
(द्रव्य)Literal Meaning
Substance; entity
Etymology & Sanskrit Root
From Sanskrit 'dru' (to flow, endure); the basic unit of Jain metaphysics — a reality that possesses both guna (attributes) and paryaya (modes) while enduring in its own essential nature.
Spiritual Insight & Context
A dravya changes yet remains itself — a clay pot may shatter into pieces, but the clay's underlying dravya persists unchanged, a physical illustration of anekantavada.