Studies in Jain Literature

SR No.: 001868
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: V M Kulkarni
Publisher: Shardaben Chimanbhai Educational Research Centre
Publication Year: 2001
Total Pages: 114
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Literature, & Story
File Size: 14 MB

Page 144

126 STUDIES IN JAIN LITERATURE cold, intolerable stink and the horrid sounds which prevail in the hells. They can never quench their hunger or thirst. The denizens of hell do not die, however much they are mangled. They die at their allotted time after a miserable life, which may extend to 33 sagaropamas. There are four classes of gods : 1. Bhavanapati, 2. Vyantara, 3. Jyotiska and, 4. Vaimanika. Each of these four classes are further divided into various subclasses. The Bhavanapatis or Bhavanavasins include Asuras, Nagas and the like. They form the lowest class of gods. The Vyantara gods living in caves, mountains, etc. include Kimpurusas, Kinnaras, Gandharavas, Yaksas, Raksasas, Bhutas and Pisacas. The Jyotiska gods include the Sun, the Moon etc. The Vaimanika gods live in twelve heavens, one above the other, called Saudharma, Aisana, etc. and nine Graiveyakas, Vijaya, Vaijayanta, Jayanta, Aparajita and Sarvarthasiddha. It is to be understood that all these 26 heavens are one above the other. Above Sarvarthasiddha, at the top of the Universe is situated Isatpragbhara, the place where the souls resort on their liberation. The Uttaradhyayanasutra (chapter XXXVI) gives its description. It may briefly be given here. "Perfected souls reside on the top of the world; they leave their bodies here (below), and go there, on reaching perfection [The dimension of a perfected soul is two-thirds of the height which the individual had in his last existence). They have no visible form, they consist of life throughout, they are developed into knowledge and faith, and they possess paramount happiness which admits of no comparison. They have crossed the boundary of the samsara and reached the excellent state of perfection." As in Hindu mythology the asuras may be good or bad: The remaining classes of Bhavanavasins, Nagas, etc., seem to be demigods rather than demons. The Vyantaras include demons, goblins, ghosts and and spirits who live on, above, or below the earth. All of them occur almost identically in Hindu mythology. Generally speaking, the notions of the Jains on demons, ghosts, etc., are very much the same as those of the Hindus. And in spite of differences in their descriptions, their nomenclature, number, etc., the Jains are in agreement with the Hindus--as far as the basic ideas about heaven and hell are concerned. So also, both of them-the Hindus and the Jains are staunch believers in their general notions about Samsara, transmigration and final release from the cycle of rebirths. Although the Jain's concept of karma-karma paudgalamis peculiar, they both agree that karma is responsible for rebirth and wandering in samsara and that complete freedom from it leads to final release from samsara.