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 space limit and sundry items
Q. 202. Bhante! Does space limit touch non-space limit? Does non-space limit touch space limit135?
A. 202. Yes, Gautama! Space limit touches non-space limit, as non-space limit touches space limit.
Q. 203. Bhante! Does it touch what is touched? Or, what is untouched?
A. 203. (Touches what is touched...till) touches as a rule, in six directions.
Q. 204. Bhante! Does the limit of the island touch the limit of the sea? Does the limit of the sea touch the limit of the island136?
A. 204. Yes, (as you say...till) touches, as a rule, in six directions137.
Q. 205. From this, does it imply that the limit of the water touches the limit of the vessel, the limit of the hole touches the limit of the cloth, the limit of the ray touches the limit of the shadow?
A. 205. Yes, Gautama! (They do,...till) touches, as a rule, in six directions.
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
135. Space with motion, rest, soul and matter makes the loka; when these four are absent, it is aloka. Even time is relevant of loka, not aloka. In all the six directions where loka ends, aloka begins. Therefore, in all the six directions, the two touch each other.
136. Seas and islands here need be taken as per the Jaiṇa view of geography. Thus the limit of Jambudvīpa touches the Salt sea, as the limit of the Salt sea touches Jambudvīpa.
137. Six directions are: front, rear, left, right, up, below.