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 12 - Camarendra’s remorse

Thereafter, Camara, the Indra of the Asuras, their king, being assured of safety from the thunderbolt, deeply humiliated by Śakra, the Indra of the gods, their king, was seated in deep sorrow on his throne named Camara in the Sudharma Hall at metropolis Camaracañcā, with his mental resolve shattered to pieces, engrossed in deep grief and shock, with his face covered with his palms, immersed in the meditation of the distressed, with his eyes downcast. then on seeing Camara, the Indra of the Asuras, their king, with his mental resolve shattered,... till with his eyes downcast, the Sāmānika gods, with their folded^ palms, made the following submission:

Oh beloved of the gods! What thoughts thou art engrossed in with this meditation of the distressed?

Thereon, Camara, the Indra of the Asuras, their king, gave the following reply to the Sāmānika gods:

Oh beloved of the gods! Having invoked the support of Śramaṇa Bhagavān Mahāvīra, I had thought to deprive Śakra, the Indra of the gods, their king, of his grandeur by my single-handed effort. Thereon he was enraged and he hurled his thunderbolt at me in order to kill me. But it was by the grace of Śramaṇa Bhagavān Mahāvīra that I could remain unhurt and escape pain, and I did not receive any wound; (and it was by dint of his grace, again,) I have been able to withdraw, to return, to arrive here back, and to resume my seat. So, oh beloved of the gods! Let us all go, and pay homage and obeisance to Śramaṇa Bhagavān Mahāvīra,... till worship him..

So saying, with his 64,000 Sāmānika gods,...till in full grandeur,... till arrived, where stood the excellent aśoka tree, in my proximity, encircled me thrice,... till having paid obeisance, made the following submission:

Bhante! By invoking thy support, I went myself to deprive Śakra, the Indra of the gods, their king, of his grandeur,... till may good come to thee! Oh beloved of the gods! By thy grace, unhurt am I,... till I live on. Oh beloved of the gods! For this, I beg to be forgiven...till went to the north-east,... till demonstrated 32 forms of drama, and then went away in the direction from which he came.

Oh Gautama! In this manner, Camara, the Indra of the Asuras, their king, attained a great divine fortune,... till (it) came at his disposal. His life-span there is one sāgara, after which, he will be born in the region named Mahāvideha, when he will be liberated,... till end all misery.

Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):

(There is no commentary available for this section).

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