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 13 - On the two-organ beings
34. Life-span of two-organ beings needs be stated38 and also the indeterminateness of their breathing activity.
Q. 35. And what of intake by the two-organ beings?
A 35. Their unconscious intake is as stated before, but as to conscious intake, it takes place indeterminately within a 48-minute length of time over a limitless time-span. The rest as before,...till the tasting of an infinite portion.
Q. 36. Bhante! Of matter taken by the two-organ beings,—do they eat it all, or, do they eat not all?
A. 36. Gautama! Matter taken in by the two-organ beings may be eaten in either of the two ways, which are pore-eating and morsel-eating. Matter accepted for pore-eating is eaten in its entirety without remnant, but of that accepted for morsel-eating, innumerable particles are absorbed and many times more than that are lost without taste and without touch.
Q. 37. Bhante! Of matter not tasted, not touched, which are less and which are more, or are they equal, or in some varying quantity?
A. 37. Gautama! Matter particles not tasted are few, those not touched are infinite-times more.
Q. 38. Bhante! In what form does matter taken in by the two-organ beings transform again and again?
A. 38. Gautama! It transforms again and again into the organs of taste and touch.
Q. 39. Bhante! Matter taken by the two-organ beings in the past,—did it transform?
A. 39. As stated before,...till exhaust not karma which is still dormant.
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
38. Minimum is stated to be less than 48 minutes and maximum 12 years.