Mahavalaya, Mahāvalaya, Maha-valaya: 1 definition

Introduction:

Mahavalaya means something in Jainism, Prakrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

[«previous next»] — Mahavalaya in Jainism glossary
Source: The University of Sydney: A study of the Twelve Reflections

Mahāvalaya (महावलय) refers to the “(three) great rings”, according to the 11th century Jñānārṇava, a treatise on Jain Yoga in roughly 2200 Sanskrit verses composed by Śubhacandra.—Accordingly, “The cosmos is the shape of a palm tree, filled with the three worlds [com.—What kind of cosmos is it? It is completely covered (samākīrṇo), covered (vyāptaḥ), by the three (tribhiḥ), by the three (tribhiḥ) great rings (mahāvalayaiḥ)] , surrounded by the three winds having great speed [and] great power in between [the cosmos and non-cosmos]. That [cosmos] is not at all produced by anyone, not at all sustained by anyone, so also not destroyed by anyone. Nevertheless, that exists by itself without support in the atmosphere”.

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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.

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