What are the 6 eras in jainism
In Jain cosmology, time is divided into two equal halves of a cycle. Each half has six eras (ārās). Here are the six eras for both halves:
- Utsarpinī (ascending phase)
- Avasarpinī (descending phase)
Notes:
- The two halves are mirror images in their progression: one starts very happy and gradually declines; the other starts difficult and gradually improves.
- We are said to be in the 5th era of Avasarpinī (Duṣamā), in many Jain traditions, though some regions differ on historical dating. The overall concept of the six āras remains the same across traditions. You can read a simple overview of the cycle and these eras here. ( jainknowledge.com)
If you’d like a quick, plain-language summary of what these eras represent in daily life and ethics, I can give you a short version as well.