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The Universe-Six Substances 9
is called non-universe, containing the universe, can be comprehended by the perfect beings through their perfect knowledge like a fruit on one's palm.
8. In Jain thought the shape of the universe has been described as that of the figure 8 or a man standing akimbo which is tapering at the bottom, middle and top with bulges in between. The dimension from the top to bottom has been described as 14 Rajjus. Now this Rajju has got incalculable yet finite dimension as mentioned in the subsequent para
9. If a measurement equal to 1,00,000 yojans (one yojan is equal to 2500 miles) is doubled in geometrical progression (i.e. 200,000 ,400,000, 800,000 and so on) innumerable times it will be one Rajju (The innumerable times have been illustrated to be equal to the number of minutest pieces of hair which will fill up billions (million million) pits (each 8 miles wide, 8 miles long and 8 miles deep). The universe is stated to be measuring such fourteen Rajjus from tip to toe as mentioned earlier. At the middle point the universe is one Rajju wide but the width of the bulges varies from five to eight Rajju. At the top the width again tapers off to one Rajju.
10. The main differentiating feature between the universe and the nonuniverse is that while the latter is only space the former has got five more elements sharing in the eternity-in addition to space-which are (i) the living or animates (souls) (ii) matter (iii) time (iv) medium of motion and (v) medium of rest. Wherever these six elements exist that is the limit up to which the universe extends and beyond, where only space exists, it is nonuniverse. Any effort to envision the universe and non-universe, with its dimensions in space and time, boggles the mind. However, its contemplation
nd elevating and has been recommended as one which leads to sublimation of the soul. Complete comprehension of the universe and nonuniverse is possible only for perfect beings blessed with perfect faith and perfect knowledge. It is by the kindness of such perfect beings that lesser mortals are enabled a glimpse of the great vision.
11. Coming to
the six
substances-the six
Dravya-which
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