Sadhvi Vishrut Vibha
The five substances out of the above six substances, except time, are in the form of Astikāya. Here is an interesting event depicting the nature of the five Astikāyas:
Once upon a time Lord Mahāvīra was staying at Rajagriha. There were many philosophers residing in the vicinity. They imbibed the theory of Pañcāstikāya propounded by Lord Mahāvīra. They got to know that there are four Astikāyas that are formless and Pudgalāstikāya has form, four of the Astikāyas are insentient and one (soul) is sentient. They were very curious to know more about invisible Astikāyas.
Once Madduka, a devotee of Lord Mahāvīra, was going to Rajagriha in order to visit him. Kalodayi and other philosophers saw Lord Mahāvīra, and discussed among themselves and decided to find an answer to their queries. They asked Madduka, "Your Lord has propounded five Astikāyas, do you know them?"
Madduka - If they function together, only then I will be able to know them.
The philosophers were not satisfied with his answer. They said disappointedly, "Madduka! what kind of a devotee you are? You don't even know such a simple thing?"
Madduka did not react to their comment and solved their queries using his logic.
Madduka - Is the air blowing? Philosophers - Yes, it is. Madduka - Can you see the wind? Philosophers - It is impossible to see the wind. Madduka - Can you smell anything? Philosophers - Yes we can. Madduka - Can you see the particle of smell? Philosophers - It is not possible to see them. Madduka - Is there fire in the wood? Philosophers - It is not possible to see fire inside the wood. Madduka - Is there anything beyond the vision? Philosophers - Yes, there is. Madduka - Can you see it? Philosophers - It is not possible to see it. Madduka
