Lokprakash Part 03

The provided text is the third volume (Part 3) of the "Lokprakash" series, titled "Kshetra Loka" (Uttarardha - the latter half of the section on space). Authored by Vinayvijay, Vajrasenvijay, and Nayvardhanvijay, and published by the Bherulal Kanhiyalal Kothari Religious Trust, this volume covers cantos 21 to 27. The work is a Gujarati translation and commentary.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the content covered in the provided pages, focusing on the Jain text "Lokprakash Part 03":

Overall Purpose:

The "Lokprakash" series aims to illuminate Jain philosophy and cosmology. This specific volume, "Kshetra Loka (Uttarardha)," meticulously details various aspects of the Jain universe, particularly focusing on the geography of the middle world (Tiryak Loka) and the celestial realms (Deva Loka). It serves as a comprehensive guide to the spatial arrangement and characteristics of the Jain cosmos, drawing heavily from foundational Jain scriptures like the Agamas.

Key Content Areas and Summaries:

The text systematically describes the various realms, continents, oceans, mountains, rivers, cities, and celestial beings as understood in Jain cosmology. It provides detailed measurements, descriptions of the nature of beings and places, and often references other important Jain texts for clarification.

The volume is structured through detailed descriptions of cantos (Sargas) 21 through 27:

• Canto 21: Description of the Ocean of Salt (Lavan Samudra) and its Characteristics:

  • Details the geographical features of the Lavan Samudra, including its circumference, depth, and the presence of various islands.
  • Explains the concept of "Gotirth" (cow's path) as the sloping regions leading into bodies of water.
  • Describes the layers of water and the celestial beings residing in the Lavan Samudra.
  • Discusses the unique properties of the water and its interaction with the cosmos.
  • Introduces the "Patal Kalash" (underground pots) and their role in the ocean's dynamics.
  • Provides intricate details about the measurements and dimensions of these cosmic features, often using complex calculations based on yoganas (a unit of measurement).
  • It explains the concept of "Vela" (tides) and how they are regulated by celestial beings (Nagakumars).
  • It also describes the various islands within the Lavan Samudra, like Gautamadvip, and their characteristics, along with the presiding deities.

• Canto 22: Description of Dhatkikhand Dwip:

  • Details the geography of the Dhatkikhand continent, which is described as being encircled by the Kalodadhi Ocean.
  • Explains the origin of its name from the Dhatki tree.
  • Provides measurements for its width, circumference, and the distance between its internal and external oceans.
  • Describes the presence of two Meru mountains within this continent, located in the center of the two halves (Pūrvardha and Paśchimardha).
  • Details the distribution of Jambudvipa-like regions (Bharatakshetra, Haiyavatakshetra, etc.) and the year-dhara mountains that delineate them.
  • Provides detailed descriptions of various rivers, lakes, and mountains within the continent, including their dimensions and the presiding deities.
  • Mentions the presence of numerous Jinalayas (temples) and the specific Tirthankaras who established them.
  • It also discusses the celestial beings associated with these regions and their characteristics.

• Canto 23: Description of Pushkaradvipa:

  • Details the Pushkaradvipa continent, which is divided into two parts (inner and outer) by the Manushyottar mountain.
  • Describes the Manushyottar mountain itself, its dimensions, and its significance as the boundary of the human realm (Manushyaloka).
  • It explains the concept of "Pushkara" (lotus) in relation to the continent's name and its association with celestial lotuses.
  • Further elaborates on the geography within the Pushkaradvipa, including various lakes, rivers, and mountains, their measurements, and the presiding deities.
  • It continues the description of the distribution of regions and the Tirthankaras of these areas.

• Canto 24: Description of Jyotish Cakra (Solar and Lunar Systems):

  • Explains the arrangement and movement of celestial bodies like the Sun, Moon, stars, and planets within the Jain cosmos.
  • Provides detailed information about their distances from Meru and from each other, their sizes, and their speed of movement.
  • Discusses the concept of "Prakasa Kshetra" (illumination area) and how it relates to the visibility of celestial bodies.
  • Explains the cyclical nature of time and the cosmic phenomena attributed to these celestial bodies.
  • It details the specific characteristics of the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars, often referencing their presiding deities.

• Canto 25: Further Details on Jyotish Cakra and Celestial Beings:

  • Continues the description of the Jyotish Cakra, possibly delving into more nuanced aspects of their movement, luminosity, and influence.
  • May also touch upon the nature and characteristics of the celestial beings associated with these bodies, their forms, and their realms.

• Canto 26: Description of Deva Loka (Heavenly Realms):

  • Begins the detailed description of the different Tirthankara-like realms that comprise the celestial world in Jainism.
  • Starts with the lowest heavenly realms (Sau-dharmakalpa and Ishanakalpa), describing their structure, the number of Tirths (platforms or layers), and the presiding Indra and their families.
  • It provides measurements of their palaces (vimanas) and the deities residing there.
  • The canto meticulously details the hierarchy, lifespan, sensual pleasures, and activities of the celestial beings in these lower heavens.
  • It also touches upon the concept of "Paryapti" (perfection of body, senses, etc.) in relation to the birth of celestial beings.

• Canto 27: Continuation of Deva Loka Descriptions:

  • Continues the detailed exposition of the higher heavenly realms, likely moving through Sanatkumara, Mahendra, Brahmaloka, Lankanta, Mahashukra, Sahasrar, Anandata, Pranat, Aranata, and finally the Achyut Kalpa.
  • For each realm, it describes the structure of the heavens, the number of Tirths, the presiding Indra, the types of Vimanas, their dimensions, and the lifespan and nature of the celestial beings residing there.
  • It might also touch upon the specific purificatory rituals (punya karma) that lead to rebirth in these higher realms and the subtle differences in their experiences.
  • It concludes with the description of the Tirthankara-like beings within these realms and their ultimate destiny.
  • The canto also discusses the concept of "Avadhijnana" (clairvoyance) and how it operates differently across various realms and beings.

Key Jain Concepts and Elements:

• Cosmology: The text is a deep dive into Jain cosmology, describing the structure of the universe (Lok), including the three realms (Urdhvaloka, Madhyaloka, Adholoka).
• Geography of the Universe: It provides intricate details about continents (dvipa), oceans (samudra), mountains (varshadhar parvat), rivers, and Jambudvipa as the central continent.
• Celestial Beings: It extensively describes the various types of celestial beings (devas), their realms (vimanas), their lifespans (ayush), their happiness, their forms, and their activities.
• Measurements and Mathematics: The text is replete with precise measurements using units like yojanas, hastas, and angulas, reflecting the mathematical sophistication within Jain cosmology.
• Cosmic Cycles: It touches upon concepts related to cosmic cycles, the movement of celestial bodies, and the influence of planetary positions (though Jainism's approach to astrology is different from Vedic traditions).
• Siddhant and Agamas: The text relies heavily on and references core Jain scriptures like the Agamas, Tattvartha Sutra, Jiva-sthiti, Samavāyānga, Nandi Sutra, Bhagavati Sutra, and Anuyoga Dwara Sutra, highlighting the interconnectedness of Jain literature.
• Illustrations: The presence of "Chitro" (pictures or diagrams) mentioned in the index indicates a visual component to aid in understanding the complex cosmic structure.
• Commentary and Translation: The text is a translation and commentary, likely making the original complex Jain texts more accessible in Gujarati. The translators and editors are mentioned, emphasizing the collaborative effort in presenting this knowledge.

Overall Significance:

"Lokprakash Part 03: Kshetra Loka (Uttarardha)" is a vital text for understanding the spatial organization of the Jain universe. It demonstrates the detailed and systematic approach of Jainism in describing the cosmos, its realms, and its inhabitants, showcasing a rich blend of philosophical, cosmological, and mathematical knowledge derived from ancient Jain scriptures. The inclusion of numerous references to other Jain works underscores its role as a compendium and explanation of these foundational texts.