________________
715 called nigoda where an infinite number of them exist from all eternity.
The nigoda is the portion of the universe situated below the hells. Here evolution is almost at a standstill and is proceeding so slowly as to be almost imperceptible. From this condition jivas are constantly
A jiva in
passing into the higher states of evolution. this state is almost unconscious of himself.
THE SIDDHANTA.
Jivas in nigoda exist in two forms: either as groupsouls which have a common mouth, or as separate individuals. Some of these after entering into higher forms of evolution again fall back into the condition of nigoda and are called itara nigoda. These are they who are said to go to the 'outer darkness,' in the language of the Bible.
In the accompanying diagram is given the map of the universe, showing the nigoda and the siddhasila. The following description of the latter place is given in the Scripture: *
"Twelve yojanas above the Vimana Sarvartha is the place called Ishatpragbhara, which has the form of an umbrella: where the perfected souls go. It is 45,00,000 yojanas long, and as many broad, and it is somewhat more than three times as many in circumference. Its thickness is eight yojanas, it is greatest in the middle, and decreases towards the margin, till it is thinner than the wing of a fly.
"This place, by nature pure, consisting of white gold, resembles in form an open umbrella, as has been said by the best of Jinas. Above it is a pure blessed place called Sita, which is white like a conch-shell, the anka-stone, and Kunda flowers; a yojana thence is the end of the world. There, at the top of the world, reside the blessed perfected souls, rid of all transmigration, and arrived at the
The Sacred Books of the East, Vol. XLV, pp. 211-212,
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org