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 6 - On the relation between soul and matter
Q. 226. Bhante! Are soul and matter tied to one another, touched by one another, in deep tie with oṇe another, affixed to one another as if by glue, are they compounded with one another?
A. 226. Yes, Gautama, they are.
Q. 227. Bhante! Why so...till compounded with one another?
A. 227. Gautama! Suppose there is a tank. The tank is full of water and full to capacity. It is overflowing with water. It is growing with water. It is full like a pitcher full of water. In that tank, suppose somebody floats a boat big enough to have one hundred holes which are small and oṇe hundred more which, are big. Then, that boat, with water pouring in through the holes, and pouring in profusely, overflowing, growing—does it not become like a pitcher full?
—Bhante, so it does.
—For this, oh Gautama, did I say that soul and matter, etc.,...till compounded with one another142.
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
142. The consideration is about the relation between soul and matter, both of which exist together from an eternal past. Like the leaky boat, which sinks to the bottom of the tank and is no longer separately visible, but is mixed with water, the soul and matter are mixed up with each other in a manner which creates the impression that the two are one. The only exception to this is the liberated soul who may be without body, or with body which is worn for the last time and which will be taken no more.