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This description shows that the number system including infinite is not exactly equivalent to modern mathematics.
6. Infinitum and Innumerate Various similes were employed in the process of building the counting patterns running into innumerate and further to infinite. A description of four concentric cylinders (cups) namely, Anavasthith, Shalaka, Pratishalaka and Mahashalaka is very interesting. An imaginary process of emptying the seed contents of these cups into the volumes of Jambu Island, Lavan Ocean, Dhatkikhand and so on; results in the seventeen categories of innumerate and infinites as enlisted above. The process of selecting lowest, highest and median is very similar to that employed in the modern statistics, where the smallest and largest samples of data are excluded from the series of numbers used for calculating the median or average.
The word infinite in the Jain canonical literature has been extensively used. The meaning of this word assumes slight variations with the changed context. Mahapragya writes that, that which does not come to an end is called infinite. This definition fits in all the references where this word is employed.
Numerate is subject to calculations and counting. Innumerate is not subject to calculations but it is used for comparison, hence it too, is not endless. Various references where 'infinite' is used are related to the characteristics of six fundamental realities, like:
Jiva (bios) i.e. one Atma consists of innumerate pradeshas. It is to be remembered that the total number of souls in the universe are infinite.
Infinite dions (paramanu) combine to form quadons (skandhs) Four-touch quadons are also infinite in this universe.
Group of infinite quadons makes an octon (behavioural paramanu). They are also infinite in this universe.
Innumerate Samay (instant) elapses in an Avalika. Time has no beginning and no end, hence infinite.
Universal space comprises of innumerate Pradeshs. However the entire space, which includes universal and non-universal space is infinite.
Besides the eight classifications of 'infinity', words like 'uni-infinity' and 'universal infinity' do appear in the Jain texts. These are used with respect to space and time both. In space, 'uni-infinity' is used for one-dimensional lengths and 'universal infinity' is used for spatial extensions. Similarly, in time, 'uni-infinity' is used for either the past or the future and 'universal infinity' defines the entire time frame.
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