An Introduction To Jainism: [08] Time-wheel

The time-wheel is a symbol of ascending and descending order of this universe. When the wheel of the time goes in the descending direction, its geographical condition, human civilization and culture degenerate and when the wheel of the time goes in the ascending directions, its geographical condition, human civilization and culture evolves.

The movement of time in descending direction is called 'Avasarpinī' and the movement of time in ascending direction is called 'Utsarpinī'.

During 'Utsarpinī' there are evolution, during 'Avasarpinī' there is degeneration. The processes of evolution and degeneration affect collectively, not individually.

The extreme point of 'Avasarpinī' is the starting point of 'Utsarpinī' and the end of the 'Utsarpinī' leads to the birth of 'Avasarpinī'.

Each ' Utsarpinī' and 'Avasarpinī' has six divisions called 'Ārā'.

The six Ārās of 'Avasarpinī' are:

1	Susama - Susama	Exequetely splendid
2	Susama	Splendid
3	Susama - Dusama	More splendid, slightly troublesome
4	Dusama - Susama	More troublesome, slightly splendid
5	Dusama	Troublesome
6	Dusama - Dusama	Extremely troublesome

The six Ārās of 'Utsarpinī' are:

1	Dusama - Susama	More troublesome, slightly splendid
2	Dusama	Troublesome
3	Dusama - Dusama	Extremely troublesome
4	Susama - Dusama	More splendid, slightly troublesome
5	Susama	Splendid
6	Susama - Susama	Exquisitely splendid