8/11/2019 Chakravaal Cosmology of Buddhist Tradition in Pali and Sanskrit Texts

1/1

Chakravaala Cosmology of Buddhist tradition in Pali

and Sanskrit Texts

Dr. Shyam deo Mishra

Assist.Prof. & Coordinator (Jyotish)Mukta-Swadhyaya-Peetham,

Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, New Delhi -58

Cosmology is the science that deals with the origin, emersion, form etc of Cosmos and itselements viz. Stars, Planets and Earth. Hence it is one of the core subjects of Hindu scriptureslike Vedas, Vedangas and Puranas. Despite being the expounder of Kshnikvaad, Buddhist

scriptures also deal with Cosmology. There are 3 discreet phases of Buddhist cosmology:1.Chakravaala Cosmology or Single Circular world System surrounded by Mountains of

Chakravaalor Irons, 2. Sahasra Cosmologyor numerical cosmology based on the thousands ofworld and innumerable of Buddha-fields, 3. Asankhyeya Cosmology or cosmology of pure land

sects focusing on the particular Buddha-field called Sukhaavatee.

This research paper will focus on Chakrvaala-Cosmology of Buddhism which waspropagated by Vasubandhu around fifth century AD inAbhidharmakoshaof Vaibhaasika sect.

The rudimentary principals of Chakravaala cosmologygenerally based upon throughout a broadspectrum of Buddhism and are a prominent feature of Pali texts and Buddhist Sanskrit literature.

This single circular world system is not unique of Buddhist tradition as it is also a verysignificant feature of Vedic cosmology:

Sapta yunjanti Rathmeka Chakram Eko Ashvo Vahasti Sapta Naama.(Rg.V.1/164/2)

While the basic structure of Chakravaala is same in bothBauddhaandHindutradition,

there are certain discrepancies occur between them.

Chakravaaal represents a disc encircled with seven circular, golden mountain ranges

which are arranged concentrically with Mount Meru at the center and the Chakravaala(Wall ofiron) at the perimeter. Proceeding outward from the center, these mountains are known as Meru,

Yugaandhar, Eeshadhaara, Khadirika, Sudarshana, Ashvakarna, Vinataka Nimindhara and

Chakravaala. Above these circular surfaces, there are Four realms of Dhyaanaor meditation.

The successive divisions of the meditation realms into seventeen heavens mark the process ofShraavaka.

K.N.Jayatileke in his book 'The message of the Buddha' interprets this Chakravaala

cosmology in modern cosmological perspective that Chakravvala is like solar system, while alesser chiliocosm is equated with a galaxy, a middle chiliocosm with a cluster of galaxies and the

triple chiliocosm with a meta-galaxy.

This research paper is an endeavor to throw some light on Buddhist cosmologypropagated in Pali and Buddhist Sanskrit literature so that new avenues can be explored in this

field.