Beginning End

In this world, all substances can be divided into four categories:
1. Beginningless infinite
2. Beginningless with an end
3. With beginning and infinite
4. With beginning and an end

In the first category come those substances, which have neither beginning nor an end e.g. soul, dharma, adharma etc.

In the second category comes karma, which is attached with the soul since beginningless time; but can be separated through partial annihilation nirjara.

Omniscience, moksha etc. are covered in the third category, which though have a beginning but no end. Once one gets omniscience, it always remains. He becomes omniscient for all times to come. He is never without omniscience or without all-knowledge. Same thing can be said about moksha also. Once acquired, it is never lost; therefore, it has a beginning and is infinite.

In the fourth category comes the body. It is born, grows, becomes old and dies i.e. after being separated from the soul it is burnt here only; hence, it has a beginning and an end.

- Prasnavyakarana 1/2