Significance of Sagaropama
Sagaropama, according to Jainism, serves as a unit of measurement for the lifespans of different beings, including deities, narakis, and divine beings. It is described as slightly more than seven times a standard measure, and is used in various contexts such as defining the durations of Leshyas and life spans across infernal regions. Sagaropama represents vast lengths of time, equivalent to the size of the ocean, capturing extensive periods related to spiritual experiences and cycles of existence.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Jain concept of 'Sagaropama'
Sagaropama in Jainism represents a significant unit of time, symbolizing extensive durations corresponding to the lives of various deities and Jinas, and the intervals between reincarnations, likened to the vastness of the ocean.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) A unit of measure used to quantify the lifetime of deities, indicating a significant yet unclear scale, particularly mentioned as dual.[1] (2) A unit of measure used to describe the lifetime of deva, indicating it is slightly more than seven times this measure.[2] (3) A measurement used to indicate the durations of existence or lifetimes across different states and cycles.[3] (4) A unit of measurement used to quantify the maximum lifetimes of naraki beings across different infernal regions.[4] (5) A unit of measure for time or life span in the context of divine beings.[5]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) A unit of measure referred to in the context of celestial life spans, representing vastness.[6] (2) Another term for expressing immense quantities, similar to palyopama, often used in the context of time and numerical calculations.[7] (3) A significant unit of measurement in terms of time and space used to describe vast lengths of time in relation to bondage.[8] (4) Another measure for counting life span, used interchangeably with palyopama.[9] (5) A unit of measure mentioned in relation to the span of existence (of the denizens) in the lokantika vimanas, equivalent to an extensive distance.[10]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A traditional measure used to denote long periods of time, representing intervals between the lives of different Jinas.[11] (2) A poetic measure of time, specifically indicating a life span of thirty-three units equivalent to vast oceans.[12] (3) A measure of maximum life span for certain beings, particularly gods and narakas.[13] (4) The unit of life measurement used to describe the extent of King Padmottara鈥檚 lived experiences before rebirth.[14] (5) A metaphorical measure, possibly representing a vast quantity related to spiritual achievements or divine experiences.[15]
From: Kalpa-sutra (Lives of the Jinas)
(1) A term that quantifies a long time period, according to the text, equating to thirty-three of a certain measure.[16] (2) A unit of measurement used in the text indicating vast periods, significant in context to the life of Mahavira.[17] (3) A unit of measurement used to convey vast lengths of time before key figures such as Malli, providing context to the ages.[18]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) A unit of measure used to describe Mahavira's prolonged stay in the divine realm before his earthly birth.[19]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) A measure mentioned in the context of defining the durations of the Leshyas.[20]