Discernment of the Truth of Astronomical Principles

In the world, there is a perception of blue all around; this is an illusion original: saṃbhramaḥ; meaning a delusion or mental whirl regarding the Earth-sphere Bhūgola|The physical, spherical planet Earth. To common people, the "mountain-sphere" the solid, rocky Earth does not appear as a center 70. However, in the study of logic, it is said that all centers are fundamentally one.

From this perspective, how can a center be different? It is the great Sphere of Water Jala-gola|The hydrosphere or the mass of water surrounding/on the Earth that is vast. Just as there is a sensation of rotation, the waters also constantly rotate; this is the established principle 73. This mass, composed of earth, fire, wind, and ether original: mṛd-agni-anila-ākāśa; the four classical elements, is like a Wood-apple fruit original: kapittha-phala; a common Indian simile for the Earth's spherical shape or a pearl, appearing round from all centers 74.

The Earth is stable by the power of others likely referring to divine or cosmic forces and is situated at the bottom of all spheres. In the middle of the Cosmic Egg Brahmāṇḍa|The universe, literally the 'Egg of Brahma' is the Earth-sphere 75.

The Power of Support

It possesses a supreme power that is characterized by weight. There is no other external support for this Earth; it exists upon its own support 76. Otherwise, if we sought a support for the support, we would face the "fear of infinite regress" Anavasthā|A logical fallacy where a premise requires an endless chain of prior causes. Therefore, one must go to the point where power itself resides 77.

From the very beginning, one must imagine this power for the sake of simplicity original: lāghava; the principle of parsimony or 'lightness' in logic. The wise have spoken of this in terms of heaviness, the sun’s heat, and smoke 78. Even if the Earth is seen moving through the sky, it is established as it truly is 79. What one person calls "upward," another on the opposite side calls differently; yet this Earth remains a stable and diverse creation 80.

As people travel across the surface of the Earth, they perceive it according to their own position 81. Because the Earth is a round sphere, people remain stable in their own places in every direction 82. They see the Earth in the middle of their vision. This Earth, which is above the water, is seen as bright and meaningful 83. The wise say the truth is pure: the Water-sphere exists, and it is vast, and there is no error in this 84.

The Earth-sphere is partially submerged in water and partially situated outside of it. The "knower of spheres" an astronomer or cosmologist understands that more of the Earth exists above the water 85. Because of the rotation of the Water-sphere, what is inside the water may eventually come outside, much like the internal parts of an egg 86. When the mass of the Earth is above the water on a single surface, the wise describe it as a Hemisphere original: ardha-gola 87.

Now, many further questions and answers are provided according to different schools of thought 88. On this Earth, there is the Salt Ocean. At the coastline, the sky appears the same to all who stand there 89. Because of the Earth’s dimensions, the sky is seen clearly there; for those on the shore, the situation is equal 90.

Now, to resolve any contradictions, the beneficial parts are described. The internal divisions of the Earth are equal parts, each resting on its own nature 91. These are the Underworld Realms Pātāla|The seven subterranean realms in Hindu cosmology, filled with hundreds of divine medicines and heaps of various gems...