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...
Chapter 9: Objects of senses
In the city of Rājagṛha,...still made submission as follows:
Q. 154. Bhante! How many have been stated to be the objects of organs of senses?
A. 154. Gautama! The objects of the organs of senses have been stated to be five. They are: object of the organ of hearing, etc., as contained in the Jīvābhigama Sūtra, where from the chapter on the Jyotiṣkas is to be stated as a whole (i.e., without omission)26.
Chapter Nine ends.
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
26. Even gods in possession of avadhi knowledge stand in need of organs of senses.
The relevant portion from the Jīvābhigama Sūtra is given below:
Q. Bhante! How many types of matter are received by the ears?
A. Gautama! Two types, viz., matter giving pleasant sound and matter giving unpleasant sound.
Q. Bhante! How many types of matter are received by the eyes?
A. Gautama! Two types, viz., matter giving pleasant Vision and matter giving unpleasant vision.
Q. Bhante! How many types of matter are received by the nose?
A. Gautama! Two types, viz., matter giving pleasant smell and matter giving unpleasant smell.
Q. Bhante! How many types of matter are received by the tongue?
A. Gautama! Two types, viz., matter giving pleasant taste and matter giving unpleasant taste.
Q. Bhante! How many types of matter are received by the organ of touch (skin)?
A. Gautama! Two types, viz., matter giving pleasant touch and matter giving unpleasant touch.