Jaina Culture

SR No.: 011051
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Mohanlal Mehta
Publisher: P V Research Institute Varanasi
Publication Year: 2002
Total Pages: 162
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 10 MB

Page 114

TRANSMIGRATION
105
these luminous bodies are the stars which rotate at a height of seven hundred and ninety Yojanas. The suns rotate ten Yojanas higher. The moons rotate eighty Yojanas higher still. Four Yojanas higher up are the constellations. Four Yojanas above these are the planets called Budhas. Three Yojanas above these are the sukras. Three Yojanas still higher up are the Bphaspatis. Three Yojanas above these are the Angārakas. Three Yojanas still higher up are the Śanaiếcaras. This space spread over by these lurinaries is one hundred and ten Yojanas thick and is transversely of the extent of innumerable islands and oceans.
As regards the movement of these luminous bodies, they are of constant motion around the Meru mountain within the extent of human region, i. e., two islands (continents) and a half and two oceans. Outside the human region they are stationary. There are in all 132 suns and the same number of moons in the human region (2 in Jambūdvipa, 4 in Lavapasamudra, 12 in Dhatakīkhanda, 42 in Kalodadhi and 72 in Puşkarardha). The divisions of conventional time are determined by the luminary bodies in motion. Heavenly Gods :
The Heavenly gods are of two kinds: those born in the Kalpas and those born beyond the Kalpas. The heavens are situated one above the other. There are twelve lords (Indras) for the gods residing in the Kalpas. Those born beyond the Kalpas have no lords. The Heavenly gods higher and higher up are superior to those lower and lower down with regard to lifetime, power, happiness, brilliance etc. Right belief and slight passions constitute the cause of birth in the celestial regions.