Source Book in Jaina Philosophy

SR No.: 001263
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Devendramuni
Publisher: Tarak Guru Jain Granthalay
Publication Year: 1983
Total Pages: 590
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Philosophy
File Size: 10 MB

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46
A SOURCE-BOOK IN JAINA PHILOSOPHY
are technically named as Paramādhārmika and are also called 'asuras' (demons). They are very cruel and they get sadistic pleasure in torturing other inmates of hell. The hellish beings are constantly in the grip of suffering and they have no possibility of escape till the expiry the course of their alloted life in the nether world, as they have no possibility of premature death.1
There is the limitless space (Akāśa) beyond the boundaries of the universe. The expanse of this universe is so vast that it would not be possible to gauge even the smallest portion of the extensive vastness of this universe by the modern techniques of the modern science.2
LOKASTHITI (THE POSITION OF THE UNIVERSE)
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Bṛhadaranyaka Upanisad has a dialogue between Yajnavalkya and Gargeyi regarding the position the universe. Gārgeyi wanted to know the fundamental principle of the universe. She asked: What is the ultimate substance of the universe?
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Yajnavalkya! It comes from air.
Gārgeyi: And where does the air come from?
Yajnavalkya: It is from space. And space is from Gandharvaloka; Gandharvaloka from Adityaloka (the sun); Adityaloka from Candraloka (the moon); Candraloka from Nakşatraloka (the stars); Nakṣatraloka from devaloka (the heavens); Devaloka from Indraloka (abode of Indra); Indraloka from Prajapati-loka (abode of Prajapati) and Prajapatiloka from Brahmaloka.
Gărgeyi: And where does the Brahma-loka come from?
Yajnavalkya Gārgi ! Do not ask such question, otherwise your head will fall down,s
In the Jaina philosophy, we do not reach such a situation where one reaches the dead end of intellectual curiosity. Bhagavan Mahavira never flinched from answering any question. He answered all questions and gave full intellectual satisfaction to his disciples. In the
1 Tattvärthasūtra: 2, 52; 3, 3-5.
2 Uttaradhyayanasūtra—ēka Parisilana : p. 61. 3 Bṛhadaranyaka Upanisad: 3, 6, 1.