shadows, which is related to the department of practical calculation in astronomy--(from this ocean) arithmeticians possessing the necessary qualifications in abundance will, through the instrumentality of calculation, obtain such pure gems as they desire.
24. For the reason that it is not possible to know without (proper) terminology the import of anything, at the (very) commencement of this science the required terminology is mentioned.
Terminology relating to (the measurement of) Space.
25–27. That infinitely minute (quantity of) matter, which is not destroyed by water, by fire and by other such things, is called a paramāņu. An endless number of them makes an anu which is the first (measure) here. The trasarēņu which is derived therefrom, the ratharēņu, thence (derived), the hair-measure, the louse-measure, the sesamum-measure, which (last) is the same as the mustard-measure, then the barley-measure and (then) the ańgula are (all) -- in the case of (all) those who are born in the worlds of enjoyment and the worlds of work, which are (all) differentiated as superior, middling and inferior -- eight-fold (as measured in relation to what immediately precedes each of them), in the order (in which they are mentioned). This ańgula is known as vyavahārāńgula.
28. Those, who are acquainted with the process of measurement, say that five-hundred of this (vyavahārāńgula) constitutes (another ańgula known as) pramāņa. The finger measure of men now existing forms their own ańgula.
29. They hold that in the established usage of tho world the ańgula is of three kinds, vyavahāra and pramāņa constituting two (of them), and (then there being) one's own ańgula'; and six ańgulas make the foot-measure as moasured across.
30. Two (such) feet make a vitasi; and twice that is a hasta. Four hasta make a daņda, and two thousands of that make a krōša.
31. Those who are well versed in the measurement of space (or surface-area) say that four krōšas form a yōjana. After this, I mention in due order the terminology relating to (the measurement of) time.
