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À SOURCH-BOOK IN JAINA PHILOSOPHY
upper universe measures little less than seven rajjus, the middle part of the universe measures 1800 yojanas and the lower part of the universe measures a little more than seven rajjus.
Akāśa is one and indivisibl’. Still, we make a distinction between the Lokākāśa and Alokāk īsa on the basis of the operation of the cosmic principles of Dharma and Adharma (motion and rest). On the basis of the operation of these principles, a division is further made between the lower, middle and the upper part of the universe. In some parts, the two principles are extended and in some others their extension is limited. In the upper part of the universe the two principles of motion and rest are extended and for this reason, the shape of the upper part of the universe is of the shape of the musical instrument 'mrdanga'. The shape of the middle part of the universe is narrow. Its shape is like a curtain without the borders. The lower part of the universe is again extended. Its shape is like the bow attuned. The limitless space (alokākāga) has no substance subsisting in it. Therefore, it has no form and is limitless. The thickness of the limited universe is of seven rajjus.
The vastness of the universe is so great that it cannot be easily measured. In order to explain the vastness of the universe, Bhagavān Mahāvīra made use of an analogical parable. Suppose a god (Deva) is standing on the top of the mount Meru, which is one lakh yojanas in height. Suppose again, that at the foot of the Mount Meru six goddes. ses of directions (dik-kumūrikās of East, West, North, South, Up and Down directions) are standing facing the opposite direction of the Mount. Granting that they throw balls of rice of oblation (balipinda). At this point of time, the god starts running, and he catches hold of the balls of rice in the mid air before they touch the ground. This is called fast running (Sighra-gati). The analogy is extended in order to explain the extent of the vastness of the Universe. Suppose again, at the same time a child is born in a merchant's house His span of life is one thousand years. He completes one thousand years of his age. And after him, a son is born with one thousand years of age as bis span of life. In this way, the cycle continues for seven generations i and memory of their family and the status etc., are obliterated from the minds. Still the god continues to run and he
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Bhagavati , 11, 9.
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