O best of the twice-born, listen with reverence to this account of the infinite one’s mental body, the subtle form of the boundless Lord. This infinite, whose presence and nature are spoken of everywhere in the sacred teachings, is known by the name Padmanabha. In all realms—on earth, in the netherworld, amidst the sky, within the wind and fire—he is ever-present. Even in darkness, it is he alone who shines forth as the great radiant one. Across all worlds, the mighty Lord of worlds is worshipped in countless forms, each reflecting his vastness. The relationship of support and supported, the interplay of modifications, all belong to the unchanging one; these aspects merge and interact, each sometimes appearing superior to the other. In the beginning, all states were undifferentiated, and distinctions arose only through further differentiation. Through the essence and accumulation of qualities, separation is distinctly perceived. Beyond the elements themselves, and even further beyond, 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 As long as these elements endure, their origin is spoken of; when the elements are withdrawn, no further effects are produced. The divisions, beginning with the great principle, are all causes, and ultimately, they are one. O twice-born, the regions of the seven continents and oceans exist as they truly are. Yet, the transformation pertains only to a portion of the universal form of the chief principle. Thus, seven groups of beings are established together. Only this much should be heard regarding the arrangement of the earthly realm, for its measure cannot be fully enumerated here. Likewise, the arrangement of stars, extending to the celestial sphere, is vast. Now, O wise ones, I shall speak further about the earth. The five elements—earth, air, space, water, and light—form the foundation of creation. Among them, earth is the mother of all beings, the bearer of every creature. She is filled with countless rivers and mountains, teeming with innumerable forms of life. These beings dwell in small rivers, streams, and humble places, remaining in modest abodes. Know that the waters are truly endless, and fire likewise pervades all worlds. In the same way, space is ungraspable, delightful, and home to various abodes. Waters are established within the earth, within other waters, and above the earth. Thus, the view of the infinite material elements is never fixed, for their nature is boundless. The succession of elements is described as earth, then water, and then space. The earthly region called Rasatala is said to span one thousand leagues, each of ten yojanas. First comes the region named Atala, followed by Sutala. Below that lies Talātala, and beyond it is Rasātala. The first region of the earth is known as Kṛṣṇabhauma, the dark earth. The fourth is Pītābhauma, the yellow earth, and the fifth is made of gravel. In the first of these regions stands the palace of the Asura king. Here also is the city of Śaṅkukarṇa and the palace of Kabandha. It is the abode of the Rākṣasa Bhīma and of Śūladanta. Thus, the arrangement of the earthly realm and its denizens is revealed.