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(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv) Square cube.
Drum-shape directions
Intermediate directions
(From top to bottom)
Eight central points
4. Concept of space
The Jain concept of akasa (space) is very peculiar. The space as conceived by the Jain tradition has two parts:
(i) The cosmic or universal space is finite and occupied by substances.
(ii) The acosmic or empty space is beyond the universal space. Empty space is infinite and it is void of substances. This concept is very much original of Jains.
According to Jainism total space is infinite but the Universe is finite. The finiteness of the universe is not due to any limit of space but due to the limit of the twin substances - the medium of motion and the medium of rest. It is not possible for space to have two characteristics, one in which it accommodates the soul and matter, and the other in which it does not. Therefore, Jainism proposes that the boundary between cosmic and acosmic space is due the finiteness of the medium of motion and rest, which limits the universal space.
Jains stand alone amongst the other ancient philosophers in believing in the existence of the twin substances - Dharma Astikaya (medium of motion) and Adharm Astikaya (medium of rest). The idea is that because these twin substances are finite, the Universe is finite too.
When we relate these religious theories to science, we find that Einstein's theory of relativity and the concept of entropy have suggested that the Universe is finite. In fact, we know many other scientists who seem to be in agreement with this notion. Newton's law of gravity and Stephen Hawking, have both implied that it is gravity that shapes the large-scale structure of the Universe.
Arthur Eddington, in his book 'Nature of the Physical World' published in the 1930s, and his concept of entropy described as a measure of disorganization of the universe could suggest that Universe is finite and has to 'run out'. However, Eddington states the universe is also unbounded, which is an instance of juxtaposition of the opposites. He tries to facilitate comprehension, saying the universe is like a sphere. It is indeed finite, limited, as it is by the space it takes up but the space does not limit it with boundaries. This concept left room for the possibility of the existence of something beyond this finite and unbounded universe of space and time. However, Eddington rejected the idea
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