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## Third Multi-Statement Difficulty [237]
1. **The Small Number of Subtle Beings in the Aggregate:** The most subtle are the subtle *tejaskayika* beings, they are equal to countless *lokaakasha* regions. Compared to them, the subtle *prithvikaayika* beings are more numerous, as they are equal to abundant countless *lokaakasha* regions. Compared to them, the subtle *apkayika* beings are more numerous, as they are equal to even more abundant countless *lokaakasha* regions. Compared to them, the subtle *vayukaayika* beings are more numerous, as they are equal to the most abundant countless *lokaakasha* regions. Compared to them, the subtle *nigoda* beings are countless times more numerous. / Those beings who reside in the shelter of a single body are called *nigoda* beings. *Nigoda* beings are of two types: subtle and dense. / Dense *nigoda* beings are found in *sūraṇakanda* etc., while subtle *nigoda* beings are spread throughout all the realms. They are countless in each and every sphere. / Therefore, they are countless times more numerous than the *vayukaayika* beings. Compared to them, the subtle *vanaspatikaayika* beings are infinitely more numerous, as there are infinite beings in each *nigoda*. Compared to them, the general subtle beings are more numerous, as the subtle *prithvikaayika* etc. are also included in them.
2. **The Small Number of Subtle Insufficient Beings:** The small number of subtle insufficient beings should also be understood in the same order as mentioned above.
3. **The Small Number of Subtle Sufficient Beings:** The order of their small number is also the same as before.
4. **The Separate Small Number of Sufficient and Insufficient Beings from Subtle to Subtle *Nigoda*:** In the small number of each of these, the subtle insufficient beings are the least, and the subtle sufficient beings are countless times more numerous than them. Among subtle beings, sufficient beings are more long-lasting than insufficient beings. Therefore, they are always found in greater numbers.
5. **The Small Number of Subtle Sufficient and Insufficient Beings in Aggregate:** The most subtle are the subtle *tejaskayika* insufficient beings, the reason for which has been explained before. Compared to them, the subtle *prithvikaayika* insufficient, subtle *apkayika* insufficient, and subtle *vayukaayika* insufficient beings are slightly more numerous; the meaning of slightly more numerous is not double or triple. The reason for their slight increase in number has been explained before. Compared to them (subtle *vayukaayika* insufficient beings), the subtle *tejaskayika* sufficient beings are countless times more numerous, as sufficient beings are countless times more numerous than insufficient beings, as explained before. Therefore, compared to them, the subtle *prithvikaayika* sufficient, subtle *apkayika* sufficient, and subtle *vayukaayika* sufficient beings are slightly more numerous. Compared to them, the subtle *nigoda* insufficient beings are countless times more numerous, as they are extremely abundant in number. Compared to them, the subtle *nigoda* sufficient beings are countless times more numerous, as sufficient beings are generally countless times more numerous than insufficient beings among subtle beings. Compared to them, the subtle *vanaspatikaayika* insufficient beings are infinitely more numerous, as they are infinite in each *nigoda*. Compared to them, the general subtle insufficient beings are slightly more numerous, as the subtle *prithvikaayika* etc. are also included in them. Compared to them, the subtle *vanaspatikaayika* sufficient beings are countless times more numerous, the reason for which has been explained before. Compared to them, the subtle sufficient beings are slightly more numerous, as the subtle *prithvikaayika* etc. sufficient beings are also included in them. Compared to them, the subtle beings are slightly more numerous, as they include all the subtle sufficient and insufficient beings. Thus, there are five principles related to subtle beings. Now, the five principles related to dense beings are as follows:
6. **The Small Number of Dense Beings in the Aggregate:** The least numerous are the dense *traskayika* beings, as only the two-sense beings etc. are dense *traskayika*, and they are fewer than the other bodies. Compared to them, the dense *tejaskayika* beings are countless times more numerous.