Ancient Jain wisdom often feels surprisingly fresh when dropped into modern life. Take the Dravyasamgraha’s six substances—soul (jīva), matter (pudgala), medium of motion (dharma), medium of rest (adharma), space (ākāśa), and time (kāla). They aren’t relics of dusty scholastic debates but rather guiding stars for today’s hustle.

First off, the distinction between jīva and pudgala sparks a powerful reflection on digital overload. Just as matter (pudgala) keeps piling on, notifications and screen time can bury inner clarity (jīva). Practicing a “tech fast” resembles the Jain ideal of non-attachment—discovering mental space beneath the noise. Think of the latest wave of digital detox retreats: they’re modern echoes of timeless restraint.

Next, dharma and adharma—in Jainism, the media that enable motion or rest—mirror societal momentum and pause. In a world sprinting from one trend to the next, consciously cultivating rest (adharma) isn’t slacking off; it’s restructuring life so creativity doesn’t run on fumes. Work-from-home cultures and wellness apps highlight how intentional downtime fuels productivity, just as the Dravyasamgraha encourages equilibrium.

Space (ākāśa) and time (kāla) gain fresh resonance in sustainability conversations. Recognizing infinite space alongside finite resources underscores the need for greener habits—recycling campaigns, electric vehicles, even urban farming initiatives springing up as grassroots solutions. On the time front, mindfulness about past karmic patterns encourages resilience: pandemic recoveries prove that setbacks needn’t define tomorrow.

Finally, viewing every action as karmic particles sticking to the soul nudges towards ethical living. Whether choosing cruelty-free products or supporting fair-trade ventures, modern consumers channel Jain insistence on harmlessness (ahiṃsā).

In a nutshell, Dravyasamgraha’s framework transforms digital detoxes, work–life balance, climate action, and conscious consumption from trendy buzzwords into deep-rooted practices. Ancient metaphysics and twenty-first-century challenges? It’s a match made in heaven—proof that true wisdom wears no expiry date.