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ARHAT VACANA
Kundakunda Jñanapitha, Indorey
etc.,
Vol. - 23, Issue 1-2, January - June 2011, 99-104 Jaina Cosmology: A Mathematical Approach ■Samani Aagamprajna
ABSTRACT
The Whole Jain literature has been divided into four main classes. Dravyanuyoga, Dharmakathanuyoga & Gaṇitānuyoga.
Caraṇakaraṇānuyoga,
In Jainism. the main theories which are explored in mathematical style are the theory of karma, pudgala (matter), the movement of sun and moon, shape and size of universe, etc. In the present paper I made an attempt to bring into light the shape and volume of the universe in Svetambara and Digambara tradition in a simplified way.
According to Jaina Philisophy, space in divided into two parts (1) Cosmic-space (2) Supra-cosmic space. Cosmic space where all the six substances are accommodated. Again this cosmos is divided into three parts-upper, middle and lower universe. The shape of the universe is supratisthaka as explained in Bhagvati satra (सुपइट्ठियसंठिए लोए)
The point on which I want to focus is that both the tradition, Svetambara and Digambara where they varies is the total volume of universe. Both accept supratisthaka shape, but with some difference, so the total volume also differs. This is clearly explained in the paper. According to Digambara tradition, the total voluve is 343 cubic rajju, while svetambara sums it as 239 cubic rajju.
The whole Jaina Literature has been divided into four main classes : (i) Dravyanuyoga, which includes the exposition of dravya like jiva, ajiva
(ii) Caraṇakaraṇānuyoga, which includes the rules and regulations to be followed by saints, sages etc.
(iii) Dharmakathānuyoga, which includes stories, biographics like Jñātādharmakatha etc.
(iv) Gaṇitānuyoga, which includes astronomy, mathematics, etc.
* C/o Jain Vishva Bharati University, Ladnun (Raj.) 341306
