Shatkhandagama Pustak 04

Author(s): Pushpadant, Bhutbali, Hiralal Jain, Fulchandra Jain Shastri, Devkinandan, A N Upadhye
Publisher: Jain Sahityoddharak Fund Karyalay Amravati

Page 34

xiii
Classification of the infinite. The Dhavalā gives a classification of the infinite. The term infinity has been used in literature in several senses. The Jaina classification takes into account all these. According to it there are eleven kinds of infinity as follows:
(1) Namananta - Infinite in name. An aggregate of objects which may or may not really be infinite might be called as such in ordinary conversation, or by or for ignorant persons, or in literature to denote greatness. In such a context the term infinite means infinite in name only, i. e., Nämänanta.
(2) Sthapanananta-Attributed, or associated infinity. This too is not the real infinite. The term is used in case infinity is attributed to or associated with some object.
(3) Dravyananta-Infinite in relation to knowledge which is not used. This term is used for persons who have knowledge of the infinite, but do not for the time being use that knowledge.
(4) Gananananta-The numerical infinite. This term is used for the actual infinite as used in mathematica.
(5) Apradesik ananta-Dimensionless, i. e., infinitely small.
(6) Ekananta-One directional infinity. It is the infinite as observed by looking in one direction along a straight line.
(7) Ubhayananta-Two directional infinite. This is illustrated by a line continued to infinity in both directions.
(8) Vistarananta--Two dimensional or superficial infinity. This means an infinite plane area.
(9) Sarvananta-Spatial infinity. This signifies the three dimensional infinity, i. e. the infinite space.
(10) Bhavananta-Infinite in relation to knowledge which is utilised. This term is used for a person who has knowledge of the infinite, and who uses that knowledge.
(11) Saswatananta-Everlasting or indestructible.
The above classification is a comprehensive one, including all senses in which the term ananta is used in Jaina literaturel.
Gananananta (numerical infinite )
The Dhavalā clearly lays down that, in the subject-matter under discussion, by the term ananta ( infinite ) we always mean the numerical infinite, and not any
1. 2.
Dhavala III, p. 11-16. ibid p. 16.