Practical Path

SR No.: 006703
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Champat Rai Jain
Publisher: ZZZ Unknown
Publication Year: 1917
Total Pages: 268
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 11 MB

Page 69

TAE PRACTICAL PATH.
(xii) Dharma bhāvanâ.--Dharma (religion) without
mercy is but a form of inithyâtva (falsehood); dharma is the reflection of the divine effulgence of the âtman; without dharma, moksha (freedom) cannot be attained ; true dharma is the source of life and joy to all living beings; dharma, therefore, must be observed in all
things.' 5. The endurance, with equanimity and cheerfulform-in some heavens satisfaction resulting from mere contact, in others from perception, conversation, and so forth-till it finally disappear in the graiveya kas, where there are no devângnas.
Longevity also varies in the different heavens, becoming longer and longer as we go up, till the longest áyult in the last anuttara comprises no less than thirty-three sângaras (oceans) of years. The residents of the highest unuttaras have only one more earth-life to undergo before final emancipation.
In the madhyaloka, human beings are found in different places, in the first two and a half continents which cover the entire region illumined by the Sun. The conditions of life differ in these regions also, owing to the influence of the motion of suns, stars, moons and other heavenly bodies. In some places men enjoy great felicity, almost equalling that of devas, while in others, such as our little earth, the conditions of life vary with the periods of time.
As regards the conditions of existence in hells, life is more and more painful as we descend to lower and lower regions. Duration of life also increases proportionately in the lower hells, varying from 10,000 years in the first hell to thirty-three sågaras in the lowest, i.e., the seventh. The nigoda is the place into which fall all those who commit the worst kinds of sins. These are they who may be said to go to the outer darkness,' in the language of the Bible. Their case is hopeless, and, although they might come out of it again, no one can say how long they might have to remain there. Excruciating pain, extreme misery and unbearable torment at the hands of their neighbours and superiors are the characteristics of existence in hells. The residents of these unhappy regions are all neuter, and spend their time in lamentation and anguish.