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 the soul
Q. 63. Bhante! Should it be stated that the soul endowed with endeavour, activity, strength, energy and self-exertion43 shows, through self-expression, that it is a live organism?
A. 63. Yes, Gautama! the soul...till a live organism.
Q. 64. Bhante! Why is it said that...till a live organism?
A. 64. Gautama! The soul has the utilisation of infinite categories of mati knowledge, infinite categories of śruta knowledge, infinite categories of avadhi knowledge, infinite categories of manaḥ-paryāya knowledge, infinite categories of kevala knowledge, infinite categories of mati ignorance, infinite categories of śruta ignorance, infinite categories of avadhi ignorance44, infinite categories of visual realisation, infinite categories of non-visual realisation, infinite categories of avadhi realisation, and infinite categories of kevala realisation. In trait, the soul is all-utilising. It is, for this reason, oh Gautama, it has been said that the soul...till alive organism.
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
43. The mention of endeavour, activity, etc., signifies that the word ‘soul’ as used here does not include ‘liberated souls’, which have no endeavour, etc.
44. The Jaina classification of knowledge has. been given earlier. They have corresponding ignorances, with the exception of the category ‘kevala’, which takes no ignorance. (For details, note 12 in Book I)