Dr. N.L. Kachhara
Mathematical theories of the universe entail the creation of substances like space or matter and violate the basic principle of Jainism that all substances are eternal: they can be neither created nor destroyed. These theories also do not describe the evolution and life of living beings, which are essential components of the universe. They are, therefore, essentially incomplete.
Jain philosophy describes the matter in detail at both the gross and subtle levels; the latter may follow some laws which are yet unknown to science. Jain cosmology posits an eternal and finite loka of a well-defined shape. The loka is traditionally divided into three parts that can be further divided into six divisions and 22 regions on the basis of dharmastikaya and adharmastikaya, the presence of varganas, and the living conditions for the jiva. The loka is supposed to be a multi-region structure; all regions are connected so that the jiva and lighter varganas can move across the whole loka. The observable universe of science is comparable to the middle loka; the other regions, which have a different character, are not known to science. The structure of the loka appears to be life-centered, i.e. it meets the needs of the jiva in its journey from its initial, most ignorant state to its final state of perfect knowledge. Here we see the beauty and perfection of nature that serves the purpose of the jiva.
