Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
by K. C. Lalwani | 1973 | 185,989 words
The English translation of the Bhagavati-sutra which is the fifth Jaina Agama (canonical literature). It is a large encyclopedic work in the form of a dialogue where Mahavira replies to various question. The present form of the Sutra dates to the fifth century A.D. Abhayadeva Suri wrote a vritti (commentary) on the Bhagavati in A.D. 1071. In his J...
Part 4 - On the touch between molecules of matter
Q. 121. Bhante! When a molecule of matter touches a molecule of matter, does it touch (1) one deśa by one deśa, (2) many deśas by one deśa, (3) all deśas by one deśa, (4) one deśa by many deśas, (5) many deśas by many deśas, (6) the whole by many deśas, (7) a deśa by the whole, (8) many deśas by the whole, or (9) the whole by the whole?
A. 121. Gautama!...(1) touches not one deśa by one deśa, (2) nor many deśas by one deśa, (3) nor the whole by one deśa, (4) nor one deśa by many deśas, (5) nor many deśas by many deśas, (6) nor the whole by many deśas, (7) nor one deśa by the whole, 8) nor many deśas by the whole, but (9) touches the whole by the whole. In the case of molecules of matter with two pradeśas, when touching, items seven and nine (i.e., not one deśa by the whole, and the whole by the whole) will apply. In the case of molecules of matter with three pradeśas, when touching, last three items (i.e., not one deśa by the whole, nor many deśas by the whole, but the whole by the whole) will apply. And what has been said of the molecules of matter with three pradeśas, when touching, will apply,...till infinite pradeśas, when touching, (here deśa means pradeśa)
Q. 122. Bhante! How does a skandha with two pradeśas, while touching, touch a molecule of matter ?
A. 122....touches as in items three and nine. When one with two pradeśas touches one with two pradeśas, items one, three, seven and nine will apply. When one with two pradeśas touches one with three pradeśas, the first three and the last three will aply, not the middle three which are to be deleted. As in the case of one with two pradeśas touching one with three pradeśas, (so for the others),...till with infinite pradeśas.
Q. 123. Bhante! How does a skandha with three pradeśas while touching, touch a molecule of matter ?
A. 123. Items three, six and nine will apply. When one with three pradeśas touches one with two pradeśas, items one, three, four, six, seven and nine will apply. When one with three pradeśas touches one with three pradeśas, it does so in all aforesaid respects. And what was been said of one with three pradeśa? touching one with three pradeśas, this has to be applied to one with three pradeśas touching (those with four, five, etc.),...till infinite, pradeśas. And what has been said of touch by one with three pradeśas (will apply)...till (touch by one) with infinite pradeśas.
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
(There is no commentary available for this section).