In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

Source: archive.org: Trisastisalakapurusacaritra

Arapāka (अरपाक) refers to a sub-division of the Mlecchas: one of the two-fold division of men born in Mānuṣottara and in the Antaradvīpas, situated in the “middle world” (madhyaloka), according to chapter 2.3 [ajitanātha-caritra] of Hemacandra’s 11th century Triṣaṣṭiśalākāpuruṣacaritra: an ancient Sanskrit epic poem narrating the history and legends of sixty-three illustrious persons in Jainism.

Accordingly:—“In these 35 zones on this side of Mānuṣottara and in the Antaradvīpas, men arise by birth; on the mountains, Meru, etc., by kidnapping and power of learning, in the 2½ continents and in 2 oceans. [...]. From the division into Āryas and Mlecchas they are two-fold. [...] The Mlecchas—[e.g., the Arapākas, ...] and other non-Āryas also are people who do not know even the word ‘dharma’”.

context information

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Ends with: Aharapaka, Karapaka, Kharapaka, Parapaka, Pitharapaka, Sarapaka.

Full-text: Mleccha.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Arapaka, Arapāka; (plurals include: Arapakas, Arapākas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra (by Helen M. Johnson)

Part 30: Mlecchas < [Chapter III - The initiation and omniscience of Ajita]

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