Jain cosmology

The Jain universe (Loka) is finite, uncreated, and eternal, existing without a creator god. It is often depicted as a cosmic man (lokapurusha) standing with arms akimbo, with the upper realms forming the chest, the middle world the waist, and the lower hells the legs.¹ This universe is divided into three parts: the upper world (urdhva loka), the middle world (madhyaloka), and the lower world (adholoka).

The middle world consists of concentric rings of continents and oceans, with Mount Meru at the center, surrounded by Jambudvipa, the continent where humans dwell. Beyond are other continents and oceans, each inhabited by different beings. The upper world contains celestial abodes, while the lower world comprises seven hells, each progressively more terrible.²

Time in Jain cosmology is cyclical, divided into ascending (utsarpini) and descending (avsarpini) half-cycles, each comprising six eras (aras). In the descending half-cycle, the first era is marked by perfection and happiness, but conditions deteriorate through the eras, leading to the current fifth era, which is one of suffering and conflict. The sixth era will be even more degenerate, after which the ascending cycle begins anew.

These cycles repeat infinitely, with no beginning or end. The duration of each era is measured in countless years, and the entire cycle is known as a kalpa. This cyclical time is central to Jain beliefs about the progress of souls and the appearance of Tirthankaras (spiritual teachers) in specific eras.

The universe is populated by a vast array of beings, classified into five categories: one-sensed (e.g., plants, water bodies), two-sensed (e.g., worms), three-sensed (e.g., ants), four-sensed (e.g., bees), and five-sensed (animals, humans, and celestial beings). These beings inhabit different realms based on their karma.

The middle world is the only realm where humans can attain liberation, as it is the realm of balanced pleasure and pain. Celestial beings reside in the upper world, enjoying long lives and pleasures, but they are still subject to rebirth. Hellish beings suffer in the lower world, enduring extreme torments. The realm of liberated souls (siddhashila) lies beyond the universe, at its apex, where perfected souls reside eternally.²

Jain cosmology includes intricate details often overlooked. For instance, the universe is said to be shaped like a man standing with his legs apart, but some texts describe it as a cosmic tree or a tortoise. The concept of 'time' is not linear but cyclical, and the Jains believe in an infinite number of such cycles.

Another lesser-known aspect is the role of 'dweepas' (islands) and 'samudras' (oceans) in the middle world, which are not merely geographical but also symbolic of spiritual states. The Jains also posit the existence of 'kala' (time) as a substance, not just a measure, and they describe the motion of the sun and moon in relation to Mount Meru, which is not a physical mountain but a cosmic axis.³

Jain cosmology is deeply intertwined with the doctrine of karma. The structure of the universe provides the stage for the karmic cycle, where souls transmigrate based on their actions. The realms are not permanent; beings move between them according to their karmic accumulation.

The concept of 'lokakasha' (space of the universe) is contrasted with 'alokakasha' (space beyond), which is empty and devoid of matter and souls. This distinction underscores the Jain view that the universe is a closed system, and liberation involves escaping it entirely. The Tirthankaras, who have destroyed all karma, reside in the siddhashila, beyond the cosmos, and serve as models for spiritual aspirants.⁴

Loka

The universe in Jain cosmology, shaped like a cosmic man.

Utsarpini

The ascending half-cycle of time, with improving conditions.

Avsarpini

The descending half-cycle of time, with deteriorating conditions.

Tirthankara

A spiritual teacher who has conquered the cycle of rebirth and shows the path to liberation.

Siddhashila

The realm of liberated souls, located at the apex of the universe.