According to Advaitins, “This is not that” represents

Concept

Abhava classifies distinct forms of non-existence or negation. The classification depends on whether the negation concerns time, production and destruction, or the identity of two entities.

When a statement denies that one entity is identical with another—“X is not Y”—it expresses reciprocal exclusion or mutual non-existence.

Application

In “This is not that,” “this” and “that” are presented as non-identical entities. The sentence therefore expresses mutual negation between them, which is called Anyonyabhava.

Contrast

• Pragabhava is the non-existence of an entity before its production.

• Atyantabhava is the absolute non-existence of a relation across past, present, and future.

• Pradhvamsabhava is the non-existence of an entity after its destruction.

Cross-check

Replacing the words with “a jar is not a cloth” gives the standard form “X is not Y,” confirming mutual non-existence rather than a temporal absence.

Hence, the represented form of non-existence is Anyonyabhava.