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 5 - On heretical tenets
Q. 101. Bhante! The heretics so say,...till establish that, as in the example of the lass and the lad, or in the example of the spokes fitted in the axle of the Wheel,...till upto 400 or 500 yojanas, this world of human beings is densely filled up by men.
Bhante! Is it so?
A. 101. Gautama! This statement of the heretics,... till densely filled up by men is false.
Gautama! I state,...till upto 400 to 500 yojanas, the worlds of the infernal beings are densely filled up by infernal beings.
Q. 102. Bhante! Are the infernal beings capable to transform into one form, or many forms?
A. 102. On this, refer the relevant section in the Jīvābhigama Sūtra, till...‘unbearable’27.
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
27. The relevant section in the Jīvābhigama is as follows:
When the infernal beings transform into a single form, they change into a big mace or some other weapon. When they transform into many forms, they change into many big maces or many other weapons. But in any case their number is limited, not unlimited. By thus changing (into weapons), they hurt one another and cause pain. This pain is devoid of joy in all respects, this spreads over the whole body, this is deep, unwholesome, pungent, harsh, cruel, violent, generating misery, establishing a tight grip and is unbearable.