Disclaimer: This translation does not guarantee complete accuracy, please confirm with the original page text.
[216] The essence of the *jiva-jiva-abhigamsutra* is neither solely a substance nor solely a mode. It is both. Modes cannot exist without substance, and substance cannot exist without modes. Substance is the basis of modes, and modes are the dependent of substance. Without the dependent, there is no basis, and without the basis, there is no dependent. Modes cannot exist without substance, and substance cannot exist without modes. Therefore, it can be said that the hypothetically conceived solitary substance is false because it is devoid of modes. That which is devoid of modes is a false substance, like a barren son who is devoid of the modes of childhood, etc. Similarly, it can be said that the hypothetically conceived solitary mode is false because it is different from substance. That which is different from substance is false, like the modes of childhood, etc., of a barren son. Therefore, it is proven that the essence is both substance and mode, and it should be considered holistically from both perspectives. Taking into account this *anekantavadi* and proven perspective, the sutra states that the *ratnaprabha* earth is eternal in relation to substance. That is, the form, existence, etc., of the *ratnaprabha* earth has always been, is, and will always be. Therefore, it is eternal. However, its modes of color, such as black, etc., its modes of smell, etc., its modes of taste, its modes of touch, etc., change every moment, therefore it is also non-eternal. Thus, from the perspective of the *dravya-athikanaya*, the *ratnaprabha* earth is eternal, and from the perspective of the *paryaya-athikanaya*, it is non-eternal. Similarly, one should understand the statement about the seven hellish earths. When the eternality of the *ratnaprabha*, etc., is stated in relation to substance, there may be a doubt whether this eternality is in the form of existence throughout all time or in the form of existence for a long time, as the other *tirthankaras* say - is this earth eternally existent for a kalpa? This doubt is resolved by stating that this earth has always been, is, and will always be from beginningless time. It is beginningless and endless. Being present in all three times, it is firm, being of a fixed nature, it is fixed like a *dharma-stikaya*, being fixed, it is eternal, because it does not perish. Being eternal, it is imperishable, being imperishable, it is immutable, and being immutable, it is present in its own proof. Therefore, it is eternal due to its constant existence. Alternatively, the words *dhruva*, etc., can be understood as synonymous. Various synonymous words have been used to emphasize eternality. Similarly, one should understand the eternality of the seven earths.
The division of the *pravis* 79. "Thus, *bante*, what is the distance between the *charimanta* who are above the *ratnaprabha* earth and the *charimanta* who are below it?" "Go *yama*, they are separated by a distance of one hundred thousand *yojanas*." "Thus, *bante*, what is the distance between the *charimanta* who are above the *ratnaprabha* earth and the *charimanta* who are below the *kharas* *kanda*?" "Go *yama*, they are separated by a distance of sixteen thousand *yojanas*."
1. *Dravyam paryaya-viyuta, paryaya dravya-vajita / Kva kada kena kimrupa, drishta manena kena va*
2. *'Pakappatthai puthavi sasaya.'*