He is infinite—self-existent, without beginning or end. His expanse stretches across thousands of yojanas, vast and unbounded, a realm so immense that even the gods do not know its limits; it lies beyond all dealings and comprehension. This, indeed, is the great abode—the very boundary of the infinite God. The boundaries set for the supreme Lord of gods are known, without doubt, as the worlds of the universe. There are seven layers, O twice-born, and within them dwell the abodes of Brahma as well. This is the measure of the universe, the vast ocean of transmigration in which all beings journey. The wondrous nature of this universe is itself established as the nature of Brahman. Yet, even the most blessed and perfected beings cannot perceive it with their senses. O best of the twice-born, know that this is the mental body of the infinite one. Everywhere in the teachings, this infinite is spoken of. The one called Padmanabha is described in his entirety thus: on earth, in the netherworld, in the sky, in the wind, in fire—and also in darkness—he alone is to be known as the great radiant one. In every world, the mighty Lord of worlds is worshipped in many forms. By the relationship of support and supported, all modifications belong to the unchanging one. They enter into each other, being mutually superior in various ways. In the beginning, all states were undifferentiated; distinction only arises as other differentiations emerge. Through the essence of accumulated qualities, separation is distinctly manifested. Beyond the elements, and farther still, that illumination is known as the earth. Just as smaller vessels are contained within a larger one, so too are the divisions of illumination within space considered to be contained. As long as these elements exist, so too is their origin spoken of. But when the elements are withdrawn, no further effects are produced. These divisions, beginning with the great principle, are causes and are fundamentally one. O twice-born, the regions of the seven continents and oceans are as they truly are, and the transformations that occur pertain only to a part of the universal form of the chief principle. Thus, seven groups of such beings are established together. Only this much should be heard regarding the arrangement of the earthly realm, for I am unable to enumerate them all by measure. Now, regarding the arrangement of the stars and the celestial sphere—let me speak further, O wise ones, about the earth itself. Earth, air, space, water, and light—these are the five elements. The earth is the mother of all beings, bearing every creature. She is filled with many rivers and mountains, teeming with countless forms of life. These beings dwell in small rivers, streams, and lowly places, remaining in humble abodes. Know that the waters are truly endless, and likewise, fire pervades all the worlds. In the same way, space is said to be ungraspable, delightful, and adorned with various abodes. Waters are established within the earth, in the waters themselves, and above the earth as well.