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 5 - On earth-bodies
84. The intake, karma, colour and tinge of the earth-bodies are similar to those of the infernal beings.
Q. 85. Bhante! Do all the earth-bodies have an equal feeling of suffering?
A. 85. Yes, they have an equal feeling of suffering.
Q. 86. Bhante! Why so?
A. 86. Gautama! All the earth-bodies are not conscious and so they have a feeling of suffering in an indeterminate way. Hence so...61.
Q. 87. Bhante! Do all the earth-bodies have similar activities?
A. 87. Yes, they have similar activities.
Q. 88. Why so?
A. 88. Gautama! All the earth-bodies are with deceit and wrong outlook. (So) as a rule, they have-five activities which are those arising out of endeavour, and so on,...till those arising out of perverted faith. Hence so.... Like the infernal beings, they are with same-span and simultaneous-genesis.
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
61. The indeterminateness of pain is signified by the word ‘aṇidāe’. This is so because of wrong outlook and absence of reasoning, for which, like one under the spell of drug or drink, they know not what they are suffering from, and how much is their suffering. They accept their suffering as fait accompli and are used to it.