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DIFFERENTIATION OF THE LIBERATED SOULS
a little less than 3 cubits. In the middle there are several degrees. Liberation is attained in any one of these statures.
What is the interval? When the liberation of souls is continuous without an interval, the minimum of this duration is two instants and the maximum eight instants. The minimum interval (i. e. the time when no one attains liberation) is one instant and the maximum six months. Number. At the minimum in one instant one self attains liberation, and at the maximum one hundred and eight attain liberation. The difference in the numbers of the souls distinguished on the basis of place and so on is more or less (alpabahutva). It is as follows. From the standpoint of the present there is no more or less in the case of the souls attaining liberation in the abode of the liberated. Now it is considered from the standpoint of the past. The liberated souls on the regional basis are of two kinds, that is those liberated from their place of birth and those from that to which they have been transported.
The souls liberated from the regions to which they are conveyed are less. Those liberated from the regions of their birth are numerable-fold. The regions are divided into the continents of labour, the lands of enjoyment, the oceans, the islets, the upper world, the lower world and the middle world. Very few are the souls liberating from the upper world. The souls liberating from the lower world are numerable-fold. Those liberating from the middle world are numerable-fold. Those liberating from the oceans constitute the smallest number. Those liberating from the islets are numerable-fold. This has been described in general. The least of all are those liberating from the Salt Ocean. Those liberating from the ocean of Kaloda are numerable-fold. Those liberating from Jambudvipa are numerable-fold. Those liberating from Dhatakikhanda are numerable-fold. And those liberating from Puskaradvipa are numerable-fold. Similarly, the differences with regard to numerical comparison (alpabahutva) relating to time and so on must be understood in conformity with the scriptures1.
1 Though the liberated souls can be differentiated with reference to the region etc., still in all essential qualities there is perfect equality among them.
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