Answer

In Jainism, the universe has no beginning and no end. Time moves in an endless cycle, like a wheel. This cycle is called Kālchakra — the wheel of time.

Each full cycle has two halves:

• Utsarpiṇī — ascending time cycle
• Avasarpiṇī — descending time cycle

In Utsarpiṇī, happiness, lifespan, strength, spirituality, and prosperity gradually increase.

In Avasarpiṇī, happiness, lifespan, strength, morality, and spirituality gradually decline.

According to Jain tradition, we are currently living in the 5th era of Avasarpiṇī, called Duṣamā.

Explanation

Each half-cycle has six eras, known as Ārās.

Six Eras of Avasarpiṇī

• 1. Suṣamā-Suṣamā — complete happiness; no sorrow
• 2. Suṣamā — great happiness
• 3. Suṣamā-Duṣamā — happiness with some sorrow
• 4. Duṣamā-Suṣamā — sorrow with some happiness
• 5. Duṣamā — sorrowful era; spirituality declines
• 6. Duṣamā-Duṣamā — extreme sorrow and suffering

In Utsarpiṇī, the order is reversed:

• Duṣamā-Duṣamā
• Duṣamā
• Duṣamā-Suṣamā
• Suṣamā-Duṣamā
• Suṣamā
• Suṣamā-Suṣamā

So existence is not seen as a one-time creation or destruction. The universe continues eternally through rising and falling conditions.

Important Jain Understanding

Jainism teaches that:

• The universe was never created by any god.
• Time has no first moment and no final end.
• Souls, matter, space, motion, rest, and time are eternal substances.
• Worldly conditions change because of natural laws and karma.

Spiritual Understanding

The Jain time cycle teaches us that worldly happiness is never permanent. Even in better eras, worldly life remains bound by birth, death, karma, and attachment.

Therefore, Jain Dharma encourages the soul to seek moksha, liberation from the entire cycle of birth and death.

Takeaway

In Jainism, time is eternal and cyclical. The universe is not created or destroyed, but conditions rise and fall endlessly through Utsarpiṇī and Avasarpiṇī. The true goal is to rise beyond this cycle through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.