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 - Downward movement of Asurakumāras
Q. 40. Bhante! Do the Asurakumāras have the ability to go below their own abodes?
A. 40. Yes, they have.
Q. 41. Bhante! How far beneath their own abodes they are capable to go?
A.41. Gautama!... till the seventh hell, (though they have never gone that far, never go that far, nor will they ever go that far); but till the third hell, they have gone, they go, and they will go.
Q. 42. Bhante! What is the reason for this that the Asurakumāras have gone, go and will go till the third hell?
A. 42. Gautama! The Asurakumāras have gone, go and will go upto the third hell to torture their former foes and to help reduce the pain of their former friends.
Q. 43. Bhante! Are the Asurakumāras capable of going to the central sphere?
A. 43. Yes, they are,
Q. 44. Bhante! How far from their own abodes are the Asurakumāras capable of going to the central sphere?
A.44.... till an innumerable number of islands and seas, (but in fact) upto Nandīśvara island have they gone, they go and they will (continue to) go.
Q. 45. Bhante! The Asurakumāras have gone, go and will go, upto Nandīśvara island. What’s the reason for this?
A. 45. Gautama! The Asurakumāras have gone, go and will go to Nandīśvara island to participate in ceremonies on the occasion of the birth of Bhagavān Arihantas, on the occasion of their initiation, on the occasion of their attaining the supreme knowledge and on the occcasion of their liberation.
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
(There is no commentary available for this section).