The Jain diagram of the universe
"The shape of the universe resembles the figure of a man standing with
his feet apart. This is a three-dimensional shape. The central, cylindrical
part is the home or abode of all 'mobile' life. The top part of the universe
is the home or abode of liberated souls and is called siddhashila.
Below the siddhashila lies the abode of celestial beings. Humans
and animals live in the central hemisphere, at the centre of which is
a mountain called Meru. The lower part is inhabited by hellish beings."*
… "According to the Jain literature this universe is always in existence
and will exist forever. (in one form or the other). There is no divine
force behind this. Every matter has it’s own quality and this quality
will undergo innumerable changes."* … "Jainism says that everything that
happens is governed by physics and mathematics. Things take place because
every matter, atom or minute particle (be it a million times smaller than
the atom) has the quality of transformation. Man's own thoughts are also
made up of karma particles which change man's density."
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