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## Third Chapter: Specific Information Regarding Earth-bodied Beings [281 Discussions]
This sutra presents several specific topics related to Earth-bodied beings, etc. To address these, questions about Earth are asked again.
In response to a question about the types of Earth, the Lord said that there are six types of Earth:
1. **Shlakshnaprithvi:** This refers to soft, smooth soil. It is as soft as powdered flour.
2. **Shuddhaprithvi:** The soil found in the middle of mountains, etc., is Shuddhaprithvi.
3. **Balukaprithvi:** Fine sand is Balukaprithvi.
4. **Manahshilaprithvi:** Manahshila, etc., is Manahshilaprithvi.
5. **Sharkaraprithvi:** Gravel, pebbles, etc., are Sharkaraprithvi.
6. **Kharaprithvi:** Stony Earth is Kharaprithvi.
After describing these six types of Earth, questions were asked about their duration. The answer stated:
1. **Shlakshnaprithvi:** Its minimum duration is an Antarmuhurta and its maximum duration is one thousand years.
2. **Shuddhaprithvi:** Its minimum duration is an Antarmuhurta and its maximum duration is twelve thousand years.
3. **Balukaprithvi:** Its minimum duration is an Antarmuhurta and its maximum duration is fourteen thousand years.
4. **Manahshilaprithvi:** Its minimum duration is an Antarmuhurta and its maximum duration is sixteen thousand years.
5. **Sharkaraprithvi:** Its minimum duration is an Antarmuhurta and its maximum duration is eighteen thousand years.
6. **Kharaprithvi:** Its minimum duration is an Antarmuhurta and its maximum duration is twenty-two thousand years.
**Earth Duration Chart:**
| Earth Type | Minimum Duration | Maximum Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Shlakshnaprithvi | Antarmuhurta | One thousand years |
| Shuddhaprithvi | Antarmuhurta | Twelve thousand years |
| Balukaprithvi | Antarmuhurta | Fourteen thousand years |
| Manahshilaprithvi | Antarmuhurta | Sixteen thousand years |
| Sharkaraprithvi | Antarmuhurta | Eighteen thousand years |
| Kharaprithvi | Antarmuhurta | Twenty-two thousand years |
Since the topic of duration is being discussed, questions arise about the duration of Nairyikas, etc., in the order of the twenty-four Dandakas. These questions and their answers should be understood according to the fourth position of the Prajnapanapad, up to the duration of the Devas of Sarvarthasiddha. There is a detailed description of duration there. Therefore, instead of mentioning it here, it is suggested to refer to that section.
After discussing the topic of duration of existence, questions arise about the duration of the body.
**[Verse 1]**
"Shlakshna, Shuddha, Baluka, Manahshila, Sharkara, and Kharaprithvi. These have durations of twelve, fourteen, sixteen, eighteen, and twenty-two thousand years respectively."