This is also known as Gunas of the substance. The modifications that an entity undergoes refer to the various shapes and forms into which a substance is transformed, either naturally or artificially. A living being through the process of growth, undergoes various changes, such as childhood, youth, and old age. These changes are the natural modifications of the living being. Clay is molded by a potter into various shapes.
Gold is crafted by a goldsmith into various ornaments.
These changes are artificial modifications of the nonliving being. While undergoing various modifications, either natural or artificial, the basic substance remains unchanged and is permanent, while the forms change and are transient. As explained above Jainism believes that the universe is made from the combination of the six universal substances. All of the six substances are indestructible, imperishable, immortal, eternal and continuously go through countless changes. Its essential characteristic is consciousness.