Units of Length in Jaina Canons

SR No.: 250350
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: N L Jain
Publisher: Z_Aspect_of_Jainology_Part_2_Pundit_Bechardas_Doshi_012016.pdf
Publication Year: 1987
Total Pages: 17
Language: English
Classification: Article & Philosophy
File Size: 995 KB

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N. L. Jain
which is 99,000 PY overland and 1000 PY underland. The current values for these descriptions in Table VIII suggest that it is very difficult to determine the category of reliability about them. Table VIII gives the values on the basis of UY= 15 km. and PY - 500 UY. Calculations based on other values of UY also yield similar discrepant values. These values can only be presently explained on the basis of faith in canons and religion which do not require verification. This, however, is causing erosion in faith. Dr. Upadhya has exclaimed similarly in his editorial in TP adding that these descriptions are not appealing to the current scientific world. If we wish to convert the mythological category into reliability, one has to fix the canonical length units with a definite current value uniformly. Most probably this may not be possible. In that case, we must not insist on their permanent truth or omniscientist's wordings. They must be taken in historical perspective as an attractive mythology so common in all the systems in olden periods if their development. References
1. Tarnikar, M. S. et el; Prarambhik Bhautiki, J. Nath and Co., Meerut,
1983, 6 p. 2. Jain, N. L.; Time Units in Jainology : A Survey, Tulsi Pragya, X 4, 22,
1984. 3. Jain, J. C. and Mehta, M. L. : Jain Sahitya ka Vrihat Itihas-2, PVRI,
Varanasi. 4. Sudharma Swami; Bhagavati Sutra-1, JSR, Sailana, 1966, p. 1038. 5. Acharya, Yativrishabh; Tiloyapannatti-1, JSS Sangha, Sholapur, 1956,
p. 13.
6. Acharya, Padmananadi; Jambudivapannatti sangaho, ibid, 1958, p. 237. 7. Bhatta, Akalanka; Tattwarth Vartik-1, Bhartiya Gyanpith, Delhi, 1944,
p. 205-8. 8. Chakravarty, Nemichand; Triloksara, SDJS, Mahavirji, 1975, p. 12. 9. See Ref. 8, p. 13. 10. Acharya, Puspdant and Bhutbali; Satkhandagama-1, Amraoti, 1939, p.80 11. See ref. 7, p. 206. 12. Ibid, p. 207.
Kundkuld, Acharya; Panchastikayasara Intr., Bhartiya Gyanpith, Delhi, 1975, p. xxi. Muni, Mahendrakumarji-II, Vishwa Prahelika, Javeri Prakashan,
Bombay, 1969, p. 233. 15. Lishk, S. S. et el; Length Units in Jaina Astronomy, Jain Journal, 143.
1979.