法苑珠林 4.58

4.58

The Lokotpatti-sūtra also asks: 'Furthermore, by what cause and condition are the nights long and the days short in the winter season?' The Buddha answered the monks: 'When the sun-deva's palace has passed six months, it gradually travels southward, shifting six krośas each day without any error. At this time, the sun-deva's palace is at the southernmost extremity of Jambudvīpa; the land's shape being narrow and small, the sun passes by rapidly. By this cause and condition, the days are short and the nights are long in the winter season. Furthermore, by what cause and condition are the days long and the nights short in the spring and summer?' The Buddha answered: 'When the sun-deva's palace has passed six months, it gradually travels northward, shifting six krośas each day without any error, diverging from its regular path. At this time, it travels through the middle of Jambudvīpa; the land being broad, its passage takes longer, and therefore the days are long. By this cause and condition, in spring and summer the days are long and the night divisions are brief.'