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Vol. XXVI, 2003
SPACE - TRAVEL OF THE SOUL
59
supports this view (Adh 12116-22). These notions are known as white or black path i.e. sukla or krsna gati. Karma (actions), Nadi and Dik are the deciding factors of soul's motion on śukla or krsna path.
No being is able to live without actions good or bad. The effect of the sacricial actions, donotion penance etc. (Ista and Āpūrta). Such actions lead the soul to the world of pitrs. After enjoying the sweet fruits of good actions soul again moves to the earth. Bad actions lead the soul to enjoy fruits of the bad actions in the hell. After enjoying them the soul returns to this world.
To make clear this motion after death purānas, the epic poems describe the region of the travel. This is known as Dik. under given diagram clearly shows the divisions of the enviornment of the surroundings nearby the earth and the way to move upwards.
उत्तर ध्रुव
• Airāvatamārgā
Devayāna (S’uklagati)
North Nāgavithi Gajavithi Airavatavīthi
Jaradgava mārga
Visuvavrtta Herdles in the surface pracel of the soul
Ajavithi
Pitrayāna (Krsnagati)
Vais'vanara mārga
दक्षिण ध्रुव
.. .In above given diagram the zodical circle lies on the both sides of the sky up to 24 degrees from equinox. In the surrounding region of the earth wind blows according to the movement and heat of the sun-beams.
The area in which the effect of the sun beans is powerful is known as Arcirādi, It is the day shining with the solar rays. Wind also blows. According the seers observed that such environment lies for six months after Makarasankranti. This path is known as śukla according to Gita, Arciradi according to the upanisads and Devayāna according to the vedas. While sun beams are less powerful the cold effect starts. The atmosphere becomes cold full of Rajas i.e. Dhūma such effect becomes gradually more compact during night. This affects the winds more or less. This leads the departed soul accordingly. This path is known as krsnagati
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