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 - Salt Sea
Q. 40. Bhante! What’s the breadth of the Salt Sea at all its points?
A. 40. To be known as before10...till the location of the sphere (loka) and the nature of the sphere.
So they are. Glory be to the great Lord! So saying, Gautama paid his homage and obeisance and withdrew to bis seat.
Chapter Two ends.
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
10. The details in the Jīvābhigama Sūtra are as follows:
Q. Bhante! What is the shape of the Salt Sea?
A. Gautama! It is circular like gotīrtha, a boat, an oyster, horse’s neck or balathi.
Q. Bhante! What is the circumference of the Salt Sea, its length, breadth, depth, height and its foremost point?
A. Gautama! Its circumference is 2,00,000 yojanas, its length is slightly more than 15,81,139 yojanas, its depth 1,000 yojanas and its height is 16,000 yojanas. Its foremost point is 17,000 yojanas.
Q. Bhante! It is so vast and so much extended. Then how is it that it does not engulf the isle of Jambū-dvīpa... till flood it?
A. Gautama! The regions named Bharata and Airāvata in the isle of Jambū-dvīpa are inhabited by Arihantas, Cakravartis, Baladevas, Vāsudevas, Cāraṇas, Vidyādharas, monks, nuns, śrāvakas, śrāvikās, many pious men, who are, by habit and temperament, gentle, polite, mild, for which passions like anger, etc., are subdued. They are simple, tenderhearted, their senses conquered, gentls and polite. Because of their existence and impact, the Salt Sea does not engulf Jambū-dvīpa,.,.till flood it.