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 14 - On the three- and four-organ being
40. There’s difference in the life-span of the three- and four-organ being39,...till innumerable particles of matter are absorbed and many times more than that are lost without taste and without touch.
Q.41. Bhante! What of matter particles not smelt, not tasted, not touched?
A. 41. Gautama! Matter particles not smelt are less in number; matter particles not tasted are infinite times more and (so also are) infinite times more matter particles not touched.
Intake by the three-organ beings by the organs of smell, taste and touch transform again and again but in an indeterminate way. Intake by the four-organ beings by the organs of sight, smell, taste and touch transform again and again but in an indeterminate way.
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
39. For three-organ beings, minimum life-span is less than 48 minutes and maximum 49 day-nights.
For four-organ beings minimum life-span is less than 48 minutes and maximum six months.