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 endeavour to move up
Q. 147—Bhante! When faith-deluding karma has already come up, does a living being endeavour to move up?
A. 147—Yes, (he) endeavours to move up93.
Q. 148—Bhante! Does (he) endeavour to move up by energy, or by non-energy?
A. 148—Gautama! By energy (he) endeavours to move up, not by non-energy.
Q. 149—Bhante! If (he) moves up by energy, is it by the fool’s energy, or by the prudent’s energy or by mixed energy?
A. 149—Gautama! (He) moves up by the fool’s energy, not by the prudent’s energy, nor by mixed energy.
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
93. The consideration here is, when karma causing confusion and falsehood is up, does a living being perform rites to move up? The answer is in the affirmative—he does, and he does by the energy of the fool. The reason is obvious. When the living being has no knowledge of the correct import, and is, in consequence, devoid of the right conduct, his exertions cannot but be foolish, like the exertions of a blind man to hit a target. When a living being discards falsehood—and this he does with the acquisition of right knowledge—he becomes prudent, and all his strivings are due to the energy of a prudent being. With the acquisition of knowledge, attachment and spite go out. Just as darkness does not stand the scorching rays of the sun, so attachment and spite do not stand the exposure to knowledge. Mixed energy is the energy of one who is prudent in part, but is in part still in the clutches of falsehood.