A masterclass in brevity, the Dravyasamgraha unfolds as a tight-knit sequence of 58 verses, each verse a little gem outlining Jain reality in bite-sized pieces. Rather than formal “chapters,” it leans on thematic clusters, almost like playlists on a streaming service—each one dedicated to a core substance (dravya).

• Invocation (verses 1–2)
A brief homage to kevalins sets the stage, invoking respect for those who’ve unlocked ultimate knowledge.

• Jīva (Living Soul, verses 3–12)
– Name and synonyms
– Definition (sentience, experience)
– Modes (knowledge, perception)
– Passions and bondage
– Liberation’s promise

• Pudgala (Matter, verses 13–22)
– Constituents (atoms to aggregates)
– Qualities (color, taste, smell, touch)
– Transformations (fusion, fission)
– Karmic interactions

• Dharma-Adharma (Mediums of Motion and Rest, verses 23–34)
– Dharma’s role as the “traffic cop” of movement
– Adharma as inertia’s backdrop
– Both defined, sketched in terms of their pervasiveness and function

• Ākāśa (Space, verses 35–42)
– Division into two: Lokākāśa (cosmic space) and Alokākāśa (void beyond)
– Infinite scope, allowing all other dravyas to exist

• Kāla (Time, verses 43–46)
– Continuous flux, measured by day-night, seasons, life-spans
– Single but multifaceted, accounting for change

• Culmination (verses 47–58)
A swift roundup of inter-dravyic relationships, with a spotlight on karmic bonds and the soul’s march toward liberation.

Each cluster follows a familiar pattern: a label, its alternative names, a crisp definition, a list of inherent qualities, and finally its cosmic function. It’s like peeking under the hood of reality’s engine—every component named, described, and placed in the grand workflow.

In today’s world of byte-size learning—think TikTok tutorials or micro-learning modules—the Dravyasamgraha feels surprisingly modern. It trades narrative digression for laser-focused clarity, much like a well-designed app that prompts “Next” only after the previous concept clicks. The text’s unadorned structure has influenced centuries of Jain scholarship, serving as the bread and butter for anyone diving into metaphysical building blocks.