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Physical

At the core of the world-system rises the massive bulk of Mount Meru the axial mountain. The primal, central mountain principle is very ancient - up to 1000 years before the Buddha - and has been discussed in other parts of the site; notably - Stupas, the origin story [§] and Architecture [§]. From the base of Meru seven concentric ranges of golden mountains radiate outwards, each separated by an intervening sea. Between the last range and the outer boundary wall of iron mountains, there is a great ocean in which four great continents are situated, one at each of the points of the compass. These are the abodes of human beings and the southern continent, Jambudvipa, is clearly identical with India as we know it. Later Buddhist cosmologists moved the four great continents closer to Meru, probably so that people should not be exiled so far away from the vital centre. [can they do that?]
• Mount Meru was thought to rise for a mind-boggling height above the terrestrial zone and to penetrate to the even greater depth beneath it. Within this vast subterranean world various hot and cold hells are disposed in tiers, the lowest and hottest being Avici Hell. The torments of the Buddhist hells equal those of any other religion and it seems that human imagination is curiously inspired when it comes to devising extreme forms of horror and torment. However, the ultimate release of nibbana is possible even for the worst creeps, even though it may take inconceivable aeons.

nagas - story of Mucalinda - On leaving the foot of the Ajapala banyan-tree he drew near to where the Mucalinda tree was and, having drawn near, he again sat cross-legged for seven days. [Now at that time a great cloud appeared out of season, and for seven days it was rainy, cloudy weather, with a cold wind. Then issued Mucalinda, the serpent-king, from his abode, and enveloping the body of The Blessed One seven times with his folds, spread his great hood above his head, saying, - from long Buddha life story

see art & faith pg174

B. descending from Tavatimsas

see pic arty/script/folds [off scriptures - palm leaves]