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 its
elements viz. Stars, Planets and Earth. Hence it is one of the core subjects of Hindu scriptures
like 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
Chakravaal or Irons, 2. Sahasra Cosmology or numerical cosmology based on the thousands of
world 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 was
propagated by Vasubandhu around fifth century AD in Abhidharmakosha of Vaibhaasika sect.
The rudimentary principals of Chakravaala cosmology generally based upon throughout a broad
spectrum 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 very
significant 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 both Bauddha and Hindu tradition,
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 of
iron) 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 Dhyaana or meditation.
The successive divisions of the meditation realms into seventeen heavens mark the process of
Shraavaka.
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 a
lesser 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 cosmology
propagated in Pali and Buddhist Sanskrit literature so that new avenues can be explored in this
field.