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: On infernal beings
Q. 5. Bhante! Are infernal beings alone born among infernal beings, or, are ṇon-infernal beings born among infernal beings?
A. 5. On this, refer to Chapter Three on ‘Tinges’ in the Paṇṇavaṇā Sūtra,...till various types of knowledge2.
Chapter Nine ends.
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
2. The relevant portion of Chapter Seventeen of the Paṇṇavaṇā Sūtra reads as follows:
Q. Bhante! Are infernal beings alone born among the infernal beings, or are non-infernal beings born among the infernal beings.
A. Gautama! Only infernal beings are born among the infernal beings; non-infernal beings are not born among the infernal beings.
An animal or a man who, after death, is to be born among the infernal beings has ended the span of animal or human life (as the case may be) at death. Hereafter, he has with him only one life-span which is the life-span as an infernal being. The infernal life-span starts at the end of the animal or human existence, and the time taken in transit to reach the hell added to the life in the hell is the total life-span in the hell for that infernal being.
The discussion about the infernal beings is followed by a discussion on knowledge.
Q. Bhante! How many types of knowledge does a soul with black tinge possess?
A. Gautama! He may possess two, viz., mati and śruta, or three, viz., mati, śruta and avadhi. or four, viz., mati, śruta, avadhi and manaḥ-paryāya.