________________
THE MYSTERY LANGUAGE . 177 in the narrative to which I have now to direct special attention. The first described phase of terrestrial evolution is termed a-kh'd, “I burn." There had been earlier phases in the evolution of the planet-those through which it had gained form, mass and elementary constitution. Hence it would not have been correct to call the phase of combustion the “first” phase. It will therefore hardly surprise the reader to find that the peculiarity of the enumerating words, as used in the Mystery Language of the Elohistic Kosmogony, is that they designate and define in succession the phases and conditions they have been hitherto held simply to enumerate : so that their power as numerals is in reality secondary and derived, and due to their consecutive use here.
However this may have been, the "first" active phase of the series of evolutions through which the earth passes that of volcanic action is termed "I burn." The "second "_that of division, when the fluidic constituents of the atmosphere, including watery vapours and other products of internal igneous action, were separated from the watery globe and enveloped it like a mantle-receives the designation Sh’n-i, (hath devided me). The “third”--that of gathering together, in which the waters subside and the dry land appears, and the process of germination commences-- is called Shlish-i, (hath consolidated me). The "fourth” - that of incubation, when the action of the luminaries, and more especially solar influence, makes itself fruitfully felt on the now duly prepared earth
12
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
