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 3 - Cloud’s power to transform
Q. 96. Bhante! Is the cloud capable to transform22 into a vast woman form,...till syandamānikā?
A. 96. Gautama! Yes, it is.
Q. 97. Bhante! Is the cloud, when transformed into a vast woman form, capable to go over a distance of many yojanas?
A. 97. Yes, it is.
Q. 98. Bhante! Does it go by its own capability? Or, the capability of others?
A. 98. Gatuama! Not by its own capability, but by others’ capability; not by its own activity, but by others’ activity; nor by its own exertion, but by others’ exertion; and, sometimes it goes erect, and sometimes it goes downcast.
Q. 99. Bhante! Is the cloud a woman?
A. 99. Gautama! Cloud it is, not indeed a woman, nor a man, a horse, or an elephant.
Q. 100. Bhante! Is the cloud capable to transform into a vast chariot and go over many yojanas?
A. 100. To be stated as of the woman form, difference being that it may move with wheels on one side, or with wheels on both sides, which it is necessary to state. The same (is to be stated when the cloud transforms itself into) jugya-gillī-thillī-śivikā-syandamānikā.
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
22. In the case of clouds, the word for ‘transformation’ is pariṅāmettaye, not viuvvittae, because the clouds have no soul. Yet the clouds transform but they do so as part of the natural process. This is the reason why they do not transform by their own capability, activity and exertion, but by the capability, activity and exertion of others.