Disclaimer: This translation does not guarantee complete accuracy, please confirm with the original page text.
4. 11-20]
Classification of Deities in the Chaturnikaya
103
There will be because the main basis of the practical division of time is merely fixed activity. Such activity is the motion of celestial bodies like the sun and moon. This motion is not universally applicable to all celestial bodies but is only found in the celestial bodies present in the human realm. Therefore, it is believed that the division of time is dependent on the specific motion of celestial bodies. The coarse divisions of time such as day, night, and fortnights can be known from the fixed motion of the sun and other celestial bodies; however, finer divisions such as moments and intervals cannot be determined from it. The occurrence of day is due to the motion of the sun from its first appearance in a particular place to its disappearance in that same place. Similarly, the occurrence of night is due to the motion of the sun from its setting to its rising. A thirtieth part of day and night is called a muhurt. A fortnight consists of fifteen days and nights. A month consists of two fortnights, a season consists of two months, a half-year consists of three seasons, and a year consists of two half-years. Many forms of worldly time division are made from the sun's motion. The activity that is ongoing is the present time, that which is going to happen is the future time, and that which has already occurred is the past time. What can be counted in time calculation is measurable; what cannot be counted and is known only by comparison is immeasurable, like the examples of a mustard seed or the ocean, etc., and what has no end is infinite.
15.
The stable celestial bodies—The sun and other celestial bodies outside the human realm are stable because they naturally remain fixed in one place and do not wander here and there. Therefore, their luster and brightness are also stable in one form, and as there is no shadow cast by Rahu and others, the natural yellow color of celestial bodies remains unchanged, and due to the absence of rising and setting, their light does not change.
16.
The aerial deities—The deities of the fourth realm are aerial (Vaimanik). Their term 'Vaimanik' is merely a technical one, as the deities of other realms also move through vehicles.
17.
There are two kinds of aerial deities—Kalpopapanna and Kalpaatit. Those residing in the kalpa (cosmic cycle) are Kalpopapanna, and those above the kalpa are Kalpaatit. These various aerial deities are neither in one single place nor are they slanted, but are situated one above the other.
18-19.
1. This is the meaning of the term 'infinite.' For the full meaning, see the Hindi fourth karmagranth.