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## The Sixfold Division of the Universe and the Nature of Space
The **Sixfold Division of the Universe** (Chhakkanḍāgama) describes the nature of space and the dwelling places of living beings (Jīvas).
**Space** (Ākāśa) is infinite and eternal, existing in two forms:
* **Loka-ākāśa:** The space where Jīvas and other substances are found.
* **A-loka-ākāśa:** The space where Jīvas and other substances are not found.
**Space** can also be categorized based on its location:
* **Ūrdhva-loka:** The region above the peak of Mount Meru.
* **Adho-loka:** The region below the base of Mount Meru.
* **Madhya-loka:** The region encompassing the height of Mount Meru.
**Madhya-loka** is further divided into:
* **Manuṣya-loka:** The region inhabited by humans, extending up to 2.5 Dwīpas.
* **Tiryag-loka:** The remaining region of Madhya-loka, inhabited by non-human beings.
**Understanding the location of Jīvas** is crucial for comprehending their current state of existence.
**Anugam** refers to the knowledge of the state of existence of substances. **Kṣetranugam** specifically refers to the knowledge of the state of existence of space.
**Kṣetranugam** can be further categorized into two types of instructions:
* **Oghanirdeśa:** General instructions.
* **Ādeśanirdeśa:** Specific instructions.
**Oghanirdeśa** is explained in the **Uttarasūtra:**
"**Oghena micchāṭṭhī kevaḍikhette? Savvaloge.**" (2)
This translates to: "**In which region do the beings with false vision (Mithyādrṣṭi) reside? They reside in all the regions.**" (2)
**Jagashreṇī** is a unit of measurement, seven times larger than **Rāju**. **Jagapratar** refers to the square of Jagashreṇī, and **Ghanaloka** refers to its cube.
**Loka** (the universe) is shaped like a **Vetrāsana** (a cane seat) at the bottom, a **Jhallarī** (a sieve) in the middle, and a **Mṛdanga** (a drum) at the top. Its height is **fourteen Rājus**.
**Loka** is divided into four regions based on its width:
* **Adho-loka:** Seven Rājus at the end.
* **Madhya-loka:** One Rāju near the middle.
* **Brahma-loka:** Five Rājus near the top.
* **Ūrdhva-loka:** One Rāju at the end.
**Kṣetra-pramaṇ** (measurement of space) considers three states of Jīvas:
* **Svasthānagat:** The state of being in one's own place.
* **Samudghātagat:** The state of being outside one's own place due to specific causes.
* **Upāpadgat:** The state of being in a new place.
**Svasthānagat** is further divided into two states:
* **Svasthānasvasthānagat:** The state of being in one's own place, engaging in activities like walking, sitting, and standing.
* **Viharavatsvasthānagat:** The state of being outside one's own place, engaging in activities like sleeping, walking, and traveling.
**Samudghāta** refers to the state of the soul (Ātmā) leaving certain parts of its body due to specific causes like pain, without leaving the main body. It is categorized into seven types:
* **Vedanasamudghāta:** Leaving the body due to pain.
* **Kaṣāyasamudghāta:** Leaving the body due to passions like anger and fear.
* **Vaikriyikasamudghāta:** Leaving the body due to the natural inclination of Devas and Narakas.
* **Māraṇāntikasamudghāta:** Leaving the body at the time of death.
* **Taijasasamudghāta:** Leaving the body due to fire.
* **Āhārakasamudghāta:** Leaving the body due to food.
* **Kevalisamudghāta:** Leaving the body due to liberation.