I can point to Jain teachings that describe the structure of the cosmos and the variety of beings within it.
Yes. Jain scriptures describe a detailed cosmos (loka) containing a rich variety of beings across multiple realms, with a clear distinction between jiva (souls) and ajiva (non-soul matter). The teachings specify that countless beings inhabit different spheres—from liberated souls in siddha realms to gods, humans, animals, and beings in lower realms—all subject to cycles of birth, death, and time.
Key ideas you’ll find in Jain texts:
- The cosmos has distinct regions and layers where beings reside, including higher realms, the human–animal–plant world in the middle regions, and lower realms.
- Every jiva travels through cycles of birth and rebirth (samsara) until it attains liberation (moksha) by eliminating karman.
- There are significant differences in interpretation between Digambar and Shwetambar traditions, but both describe a structured cosmos with many kinds of beings and a path to liberation.
If you’d like, I can provide the exact sutras or stotra texts that discuss the structure of the cosmos and the beings within it, along with their authentic Jain meanings (arth) as taught in traditional sources. I can also point you to where those passages appear in canonical works like the Jain Agamas and later compendia, and present the original wording and the Jain understanding for each.