Living Systems in Jainism: A Scientific Study: 13.12 ►Life-Centered Loka

A question may be asked as to why the loka exists in separate regions and not as a single homogeneous unit, as assumed by the scientific community? The argument is that the loka exists in a form that is appropriate for life to make its journey from the most underdeveloped state to the state of perfect knowledge. If not so, what is the purpose of the loka? In its journey the jiva passes through various stages for which suitable living conditions are required. The journey of the jiva is karma-based; it has to experience the fruits of its karma. To experience the fruits of demerit karma, the hells provide a suitable place. To experience the fruits of merit karma, the heavens are the suitable places. The middle loka is the place where the jiva experiences the fruit of both demerit and merit karma and where it can exercise its free will and make efforts to attain the state of perfect knowledge, omniscience. All of this would not be possible if the loka were a homogenous place like the middle loka; in that case the loka would not serve any fruitful purpose for the jiva. So the loka has organized itself into several regions suiting the needs of jiva. The jiva, and not matter, is the main player in the loka.