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 intake by Asurakumāras
[Note 59: All infernal beings constitute one, and the first, species (daṇḍaka). The Asurakumāras constitute the second species, and so the discussion on the infernal beings is followed by one on the Asurakumāras, which is then extended to cover the remaining 22 species.]
Q. 83. Bhante! Do all the Asurakumāras have the same intake, same physical dimensions?
A. 83. Gautama! They are similar to those of the infernal beings. Differences are that karma, colour and tinge (of the Asurakumāras are the reverse of those of the infernal beings, i.e.,) those born earlier have a heavier burden of karma and impurer colour and impurer tinge and those born later are superior. The rest as aforesaid...till the Stanitakumāras60.
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
60. Thus karma, colour and tinge are reversed, which mean that, unlike the infernal beings, the Asurakumāras born earlier have greater karma bondage, deeper colour and deeper tinge than the Asurakumāras born later. The reason for the reversal is that the early arrivals in the species acquire fresh karma bondage, deeper colour and deeper tinge because of their cruel behaviour, whereas those who join later are yet to acquire these. As is our common experience, the warders of long standing in the jails are often more hard-hearted than many of the convicts they control, and may prove to be worse criminals, if given a chance.