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Chapter 3 - Sutra 16 discusses the wide expanse. On top of the middle plane is the upper plane, which has the shape of a drum and is complete with a circumference of 141.
- The realms of habitation in hell are referred to as hellish realms, which are located in the lower plane. There are seven such realms. These seven realms are not in equal order; each is below the other. Their dimensions—length and breadth—are not equal to each other; however, the length and breadth of the lower realms are greater than the upper ones; that is, the length and breadth of the first realm are greater than those of the second, and those of the second are greater than those of the third. Thus, the lengths and breadths of the sixth to seventh realms should be understood as successively greater.
The seven realms are situated one below the other; however, they are not adjacent to each other. That is to say, there is a very significant distance between them. In this space lie solid water, solid wind, subtle wind, and space in that order. Thus, below the first hellish realm is solid water, below solid water is solid wind, below solid wind is subtle wind, and below subtle wind is space. The nature of the situation in space is elucidated very clearly in the Bhagavatisūtra as follows:
- The earth is the foundation for mobile and immobile beings; the water is above the earth; air is above the water, and space is above air. How can water exist based on air, and earth based on water? This question is clarified as follows: A man blows air into a leather bag. Then, he ties the mouth of the bag with a strong knot. In this way...