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 the eternality of matter

Q. 156. Bhante! Can it be said that matter existed in the past from an endless, eternal time101?

A. 156. Gautama! It can be said that matter existed in the past from an endless, eternal time.

Q. 157. Bhante! Can it be said that matter exists in the present from an endless, eternal time?

A. 157. Yes, Gautama! it can be said like that.

Q. 158. Bhante! Can it be said that matter will continue to exist in the future for an endless, eternal time?

A. 158. Gautama! It will. And all the three (i.e., past, present and future) are relevant of the cluster of matter-atoms, as all the three are relevant of the soul.

Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):

101. Karma is a type of pudgala (matter). When matter of the kārmaṇ variety sticks to the soul, it becomes karma, the soul’s destiny, so to say. The consideration establishes the eternality of matter, both as molecules and as clusters.

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