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 - Characterisation of molecules of matter
Q. 117. Bhante! Are the molecules of matter sārdha, samadhya and sapradeśa? Or, are they anardha, atnadhya and apradeśa31?
A. 117. Gautama! The molecules of matter are anardha, amadhya and apradeśa, but never sārdha, samadhya and sapradeśa.
Q. 118. Bhante! Are the skandhas with two pradeśas sārdha, samadhya and sapradeśa? Or are the skandhas with two pradeśas anardha, amadhya and apradeśa?
A. 118. Gautama! The skandhas with two pradeśas are sārdha, sapradeśa and amadhya. They are not anardha, nor samadhya nor apradeśa.
Q. 119. And what about skandhas with three pradeśas?
A. 119. Gautama! (They are) anardha, samadhya and sapradeśa, but not sārdha, amadhya and apradeśa. Skandhas with an even number of pradeśas are similar to the skandhas with two pradeśas; those with an odd number of pradeśas are similar to those with three pradeśas.
Q. 120. Bhante! Are the skandhas with a limited number of pradeśas sārdha, samadhya and sapradeśa? Or, are they anardha, amadhya and apradeśa?
A. 120. Gautama! Some of them are sārdha, amadhya and sapradeśa, and some of them are anardha, samadhya and sapradeśa. And what has been said about skandhas with a limited number of pradeśas will also apply to skandhas with an unlimited number of pradeśas, and also to those with an infinite number of pradeśas.
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
31. When skandhas have an even number of pradeśas, say two, four, six, etc., they are said to be sārdha and amadhya. When they have an odd number of pradeśas, they are said to be samadhya and anardha. Skandhas with limited, unlimited and infinite pradeśas may have either an odd number or an even number of pradeśas.