Jain Studies and Science

SR No.: 006923
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Mahaveer Raj Gelada
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati
Publication Year: 2007
Total Pages: 272
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 6 MB

Page 128

120 / JAIN STUDIES AND SCIENCE
Shiddha-Shila and another is Kevali-Samudghath (a very special exception happening to those souls who goes on to become Tirthankara after Nirvana). In the former case, the liberated soul is said to find a permanent abode at ShiddhaShila, situated at the top most boundary of lok.
This movement from Trusnadi to Shiddha-Shila is independent of distance and space. One samay or a moment-time is all that is required to cover this mammoth distance. This unique happening is the second case of singularity transcending the space-time barrier. The third example, described below, is actually a special case of movement of liberated soul.
3) Movement of soul during Ultimate Attainment (KevaliSamudghath): Emancipation of soul is a unique phenomenon described in Jain literature in which the soul inflates (vyapta) to fill the entire lok-akash (universal space). During inflation, soul spreads in four time-moments to fully encompass the lok - i. First Time-moment: One dimension from bottom to top is linearly
covered during this period. That is, the soul opens up downwards and upwards. The shape assumed by the soul resembles a stick.
Second Time-moment: In this period, the soul spreads in left and right planes to form a shape resembling the two shutters of a door thus covering the second dimension.
Third Time-moment: This period is for expansion in the third dimension. This is achieved by the spinning around the vertical axis. The shape is now almost like a cylinder standing upright.
Fourth Time-moment: As we have studied elsewhere, the shape of lok is made up of pyramid type structures, there are several areas still left to be filled. All these left out pockets of space are filled in this last leg.
The description of movement of soul during the liberation is not space-time bound. The velocity attained is infinite to cover the entire dimension in one moment. German scholars have studied the Jain Agams very deeply and according to them the word Samay had been used in twofold manner. One describes the smallest 'unit of time' while the second stands for a unique ‘moment of time'. In case of the soul attaining Nirvana, Ek Samay describes the exceptional moment. This concept of time is discussed in the chapter tilted ‘Kaal'.