Arhat Vachan 2011 01 04

SR No.: 526589
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Anupam Jain
Publisher: Kundkund Gyanpith Indore
Publication Year: 2011
Total Pages: 140
Language: Hindi
Classification: Magazine, India_Arhat Vachan, & India
File Size: 2 MB

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The following texts brings out the importance of mathematics in Jaina Literature. From 32 canons as accepted by Svetāmbara traditions, few of the texts which contains the mathematical description are: Thāṇam, Viāhapannatti (Bhagavai), Sürya-prajñapti, Candra-prajñapti, Jambūdvīpa prajñapti, Anuyogadvāra, Uttrādhyayana, Višeşāvaśyaka Bhāsya etc. But our knowledge of these kind of typical mathematics is at present very limited. Some of the impotant Digambara texts like Satkhandāgama. Kasāya-Pädhuda. Tiloyapannatti, Gommatsāra, Trilokasāra, etc. also consist mathematical explanation of some of the theories. It is only after 19th century, active research work on Jaina mathematics has been started. So, yet many of the areas are untouched and need a deep comparative study with modern mathematics.
The main theories, which are explore in mathematical styles are theory of karma, pudgala, parmāņu (matter) the movement of sun and moon, shape and size of universe, etc.
In the present paper an attempt has been made to focus on the shape and volume of the universe in svetāmbara and Digambara tradition. For this, I am greatful to Prof. Muni Mahendra Kumar for his exclusive work Visva Prahelikā, which become base for me to write this paper. I have just made an attempt to present it in a siplified way. so that the mathematical approach in Jain cosmology could become easily accessible for the new learners.
Jaina Philosophy asserts five kinds of astikāyas viz. dharmāstikāya (medium of motion), adharmāstikāya (medium of rest), ākāśāstikāya (space), pudgalāstikaya (matter) and jīva (soul), while kāla i.e. time as a non-āstikāya substance. Among these the third substance is ākāśa. It is defined as-avagāha laksanam ākāsa?, avagāha lakkhane nāma agasatthigae' i.e, that which accommodates is ākāśa.
According to Jaina philosophy, space is divided into two-loka (cosmicspace) and aloka (supra-cosmic space). The space accomodated by the five āstikāya and kāla is called as loka. That part of space which consists of six substances is called as loka. According to Jaina cosmology, this loka is again divided into three parts-lower universe, middle universe & upper universe. lower universe is the place where the hellish beings stays, the middle universe where all the other three kinds of soul (celestial beings, human beings and animals) resides while the upper universe is for celestial beings and liberated souls. Shape and Volume of Cosmic Space
In Bhagavati Sūīra, when Gautam asks Mahāvīra : kim santhie nama bhante! loe pannate?s i.e. what is the shape of laka? Mahāvīra replies: goyama!
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Arhat Vacana, 23 (1-2), 2011