Jainism believes that the
universe is everlasting. It has no beginning and no end. On account of the
intrinsic properties of its entities or substances which include the
forces of nature, the universe continuously undergoes transformations.
There are two kinds of entities in the universe-living beings and
non-living substances. |
|
Each living being
has a soul. In the Universe, souls are of two kinds-the worldly souls and
the liberated souls. The worldly souls have bodies, senses, respiration,
birth and rebirth. They decay and die. When the worldly soul is free from
all bondage of karmas, it becomes pure, such pure souls are called
liberated souls. |
The non-living
substances are of five kinds; the matter, medium of motion, medium of
rest, space and time. Pudgala or matter possess colour, taste, smell and
touch. It has quality of fusion and fission. Dharma or medium of motion
assists in the movement of soul and matter. The adharma or medium of rest
assists the state of rest of soul and matter. Akasa or space is one which
accommodates all the substances. Space is called the Lokakasa. The other
wherein only the space exists and none of the other five substances exist
is called the Alokakas. Kala or time helps in maintaining and measuring
the changeability of all substances. |
Without matter, all
other four substances are immaterial. It is important to understand that
the immaterial substances of Dharma, Adharma, Akasa and Kala, all behave
in a passive manner. It is only by their presence that they make various
functions possible. Active causative force is absent in them. This is the
way of their functioning. Being immaterial they can not be perceived with
the senses. Their existence is deduced from he functions they perform in
the Universe. |
Matter and material
body of soul can be detected by means of our senses and by using
scientific instruments. No other entity of the universe including the soul
can be detected by means of our senses or by using any device.
Jaina view of universe preclude the necessity for a Creator. It also
affirms that there is no Supreme Being who regulates the events of the
world. Natural forces or intrinsic attributes of six substances (Dravyas)
govern events. Changeability with permanence is the nature of a substance.
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ln~nzO;y{k.ka½- |
Universe is divided
in to three regions: Adho-Loka, Madhya-Loka and Urdhva-Loka. At the lowest
of this universe (Adho-Loka) is the seventh hell. In the central region of
this universe (Madhya-Loka), there are innumerable continents and oceans.
Human beings and all animals, plants, insects etc. are living on this
region. The upper most part o the universe (Urdhava-Loka) is known as
Heaven. On the top of the universe is the abode of Pure Souls. This place
is called Siddha-Sila. |
Glossary
Hell |
: |
abode of devils or
condemned souls. |
Heaven |
: |
abode of devine souls. |
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