________________
THE COSMOS DIVIDED IN THREE SECTIONS :
1) Tircchālāka :
The centre, consists of innumerable worlds and oceans, each encircling the other, Stationary and moving suns, moons, stars, planets, etc., it is one "Rajju" - a kind of measure - wide, (our earth is a small portion of 'Jambudvipa' - the centre world - of "Tircchālāka")
2) Adhōlōka :
The lower division, consists of seven successively descending subterranean regions, seven hells with numerous subdivisions, a depth of seven "Rajju". The lowest region is seven "Rajju" wide.
3) Urdhvaloka :
The upper division, consists of several heavenly abodes (Celestial worlds) one above the other with numerous sub-sections reaching a height of seven "Rajju". The total of three sections is 14 "Rajju".
The shape and differing width, at several stages in detailed measurements and of its contents, living beings - visible and invisible, matter, (Pudgala), etc., its mode of working, have been illustrated with minute description in the Jaina Scriptures.
See the adjoining figures
When the Karma is entirely annihilated, the state of released Soul relieved of all matter, ascends the summit close to the border, the magnificent region "İşadprāgbhāra" where the blessed settle down permanently, into all eternity and enjoy incomparable, indestructible, supernatural happiness of salvation with complete equality in rank with Jivas.
30
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
