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 1 - More on monk’s power to transform
Q. 109. Bhante! Is a monk with an advanced soul capable, without the help of external matter, to transform himself into a vast woman form,...till syandamānikā?
A. 109. No, he cannot.
Q. 110. Bhante! Is a monk with an advanced soul capable, with the help of external matter, to transform himself into a vast woman form,.. till syandamānikā?
A. 110. Yes, he can.
Q. 111. Bhante! How many woman forms is a monk with an advanced soul capable to create?
A. 111. Gautama! From the example of the lass and the lad, or of the spokes fitted into the axle of the wheel, it should follow that a monk with an advaced soul can, with the help of vaikriya samudghāta, fill up one complete Jambu-dvīpa, can cover it with woman forms,...till, oh Gautama, it’s a mere power, a potentiality, but this power has never been used, is never used, and will never be used. And this is to be repeated in proper order,...till syandamānikā.
Q. 112. A man goes out with a sword and a shield. Now, is it possible, in the same manner, for a monk with an advanced soul, to fly through the sky, with a sword and a shield on some business?
A. 112. Yes, it is possible.
Q. 113. Bhante! How many forms with swords and shields in their hands is a monk with an advanced soul capable to create?
(A. 113. Gautama! From the example of the lass and the lad, and of the spokes fitted into the axle of the wheel,...till (fill up the whole of Jambu-dvīpa)...till this power has never been used, is never used, and will never be used.
Q. 114. Bhante! Suppose a man takes a banner in his hand and goes out. Now, is a monk with an advanced soul capable to transform himself like that with a banner in his hand and fly in the sky?
A. 114. Yes, Gautama, he can fly.
Q. 115. Bhante! How many forms with banners in their bands is a monk with an advanced soul capable ṭo create?
A. 115. As aforesaid,...till such power has never been used, is never used, and will never be used. The same may be repeated of one carrying two banners.
Q. 116. Bhante! Suppose a man with a sacred thread on one side of his body goes out. Now, is a monk with an advanced soul capable to transform himself like that with a sacred thread on one side of his body, and then fly in the sky?
A. 116. Yes, he can.
Q. 117. Bhante! How many forms with sacred threads on one side of their body is a monk with an advanced soul capable to create?
A. 117. As aforesaid,...till such power has never been used, is never used, and will never be used. And the same consideration will apply to one with two sacred threads on.
Q. 118. Suppose a man squats in a palhatthi posture on one side. Now, is a monk with an advanced soul capable to transform himself like that and then fly in the sky?
A. 118. As aforesaid,...till such power has never been used, is never used and will never be used. And the same consideration will apply to one who squats in a palhatthi posture on both sides.
Q. 119. Suppose a man sits in a paryaṅkāsana posture on one side. Now, is a monk with an advanced soul capable to transform himself like that and fly in the sky?
A. 119. As aforesaid,...till such power has never been used, is never used, and will never be used. And the same consideration will apply to one who sits in a paryaṅkāsana posture on both sides.
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
(There is no commentary available for this section).