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 15 - On non-human beings with five-organs and on human beings
42. Necessary to note is the life-span of the five-organ non-human beings40, and their breathing activity which
is indeterminate. Their unconscious intake takes place incessantly and over time without a gap. For conscious intake, the minimum time-gap is one 48-minute period and the maximum is two full-fast days missing in all six meals. The rest as with the four-organ beings,...till exhaust not karma which is still dormant.
43. Description applies to men with this difference that their conscious intake has a gap varying between one 48 -minute period for the minimum and three full-fast days missing in all eight meals for the maximum. Intake by the five-organ beings transform again and again but in an indeterminate way into organs of audition, vision, smell, taste and touch, and the rest as before...till exhaust not karma which is still dormant.
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
40. Minimum less than 48 minutes and maximum 3 palyopamas.