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 14 - Sanatkumāra
Q. 33. Bhante! Sanatkumāra, the Indra of the gods, their king,—is he to be perfected in this life, or, is he not to be perfected in this life? Is he with right outlook or with wrong outlook? With a restricted worldly involvement or with an infinite involvement? To be enlightened with ease or with difficulty? Devoted or antagonistic? Final or non-final?
A. 33. Gautama! Sanatkumāra, the Indra of the gods, their king, is to be perfected in this life, and is not one who is not to be so perfected. And like this, he is with right outlook, with a restricted involvement, easily to be enlightened, devoted and in final life. Wholesomes are to be stated.
Q. 34. Bhante! Why is it so?
A. 34. Gautama! Sanatkumāra, the Indra of the gods, their king, wishes well to many monks, many nuns, many male followers, many female followers; he wishes them happiness, he wishes them affluence, he has compassion for them, he wishes them the highest bliss. It is for this reason, Gautama, that Sanatkumāra, the Indra of the gods, their king, is to be perfected in this life,... till not non-final (i.e., he is in final life).
Q. 35. Bhante! How long has been stated to be the life-span of Sanatkumāra, the Indra of the gods, their king?
A. 35. Gautama! The life-span of Sanatkumāra has been stated to be seven sāgaropamas.
Q. 36. Bhante! On completion of his life-span in heaven,... till where is he to be born?
A. 36. Gautama! He will be born in the region named Mahāvideha, when he will be perfected...till end all misery.
Bhante! So it is. Glory be to the Lord!
Couplets:
Tiṣyaka courted fasts missing six meals,
And then a final fast for a month;
Kurudattaputra’s fasts missed eight meals each,
And the final one lasted for a fortnight.
(These themes apart, the Chapter has—)
Height of vimānas, one Indra going to another;
Seeing, chatting, conversing with him,
Their activities, quarrel and settlement;
Sanatkumāra’s perfection in this life.
Mokā story ends.
Chapter one ends.
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
(There is no commentary available for this section).