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 2 - On karma bondage, etc., of infernal beings
Q. 71. Bhante! Do all infernal beings have same karma bondage?
A. 71. Gautama! This is not necessarily so.
Q. 72. Bhante! Why so?
A. 72. Gautama! The infernal beings are of two types. They are: those that are born earlier and those that are born later. Those born earlier have (been left with) fewer karma bondages, and those born later have heavy karma bondages. Hence so Gautama....
Q. 73. Bhante! Do all infernal beings take the same colour (on their body)?
A. 73. Gautama! This is not necessarily so.
Q. 74. Why so...?
A. 74. Gautama! Those born earlier have purer colour, and those born later take an impure colour. Hence so...54.
Q. 75. Bhante! Do all infernal beings take the same tinge?
A. 75. Gautama! This is not necessarily so.
Q. 76. Bhante! Why so, (they take not) all the same tinge?
A. 76. Gautama! The infernal beings are of two types. They are: those that are born earlier and those that are born later. Those born earlier have a purer tinge, and those born later take an impure tinge. Hence so....
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
54. The answer appears to be applicable to living beings who are assigned to an infernal existence for a similar duration of stay, and not for dissimilar durations. Suppose, a living being is assigned to hell for a duration of 10,000 years, and another joins later with a duration of 1,000 years. Now, even though the latter has joined later, he will have a purer colour due to shorter duration. The same is true of tinge in Q. 76. With the same duration of stay, however, a being who has come earlier will have a purer colour and purer tinge than another who has joined later, and, in consequence, the latter takes a deeper colour and deeper tinge.