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 4 - On energy
Q. 275. Bhante! Are the living beings with energy or without energy156?
A. 275. Gautama! (They are) with energy, also without energy.
Q. 276. Why is it so?
A. 276. The living beings are stated to be of two types. They are: the mundane beings and the liberated. Of these, the liberated are the perfected souls, and the perfected souls are without energy. The mundane beings are, again, stated to be of two types, viz., those who are in a state of rock-like steadfastness and those who are not. Of these, the rock-like steadfasts are with energy in the sense that they have it (in a non-active / dormant state), but without energy because it induces no activity. Those who are not so steadfast are with energy which is not dormant, but active, but this energy may or may not induce activity. It is for this so, oh Gautama! So it is said that the living beings are of two types, viz., with energy and without energy.
Q. 277. Bhante! Are the infernal beings with energy or without energy?
A. 277. The infernal beings are with energy in the sense of non-active energy, but as to energy that induces activity, they may be with energy or without energy.
Q. 278. Why is it so?
A. 278. Gautama! Those infernal beings who have endeavour, activity, strength, energy and self-exertioṇ are with energy which is the dormant energy, and also with energy which is the active energy. And those infernal beings who have not endeavour,...till self-exertion, they are with energy which is the dormant energy, but without energy that induces activity. Hence so.
279. As with infernal beings, so with all...till five-organ sub-human beings. Human beings are like the mundane beings, save the liberated. The Vāṇavyantaras, Jyotiṣkas and Vaimānikas are like the infernal beings.
Bhante! So they are. Glory be to the Lord! So saying Gautama,...till he resumed his seat.
Chapter eight ends.
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
156. ‘Vīriya’ is a type of soul-energy. The liberated beings alone are without energy, dormant or active. The rest are with energy. When the energy exists, but does not act, it is in a dormant state; when it induces activity, it becomes a ‘karaṇa’ or instrument.