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 3 - On the cause of victory and defeat

Q. 273. Bhante! When two persons, wholly alike, with similar skin, similar age and similar instruments, are in a duee [duel?], then, surely, of the two, one will win and the other will lose Bhante! Why it happens like that?

A. 273. Gautama! It may be stated that one with energy wins and one without energy loses.

Q. 274. Why is it so,...till loses?

A. 274. Gautama! One who has not acquired karma obstructing energy, and has not got them, (or) when such of his karma has not come up, but lies dormant, such one wins. (On the contrary,) one who has acquired karma obstructing energy, and has got them, (or) when such of his karma is up, and is not dormant, such one loses. This is the reason, Gautama! And so it is said, one with energy wins, and one without energy loses.

Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):

(There is no commentary available for this section).

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