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 - Life-span determined by renunciation

Q. 57. Bhante! Is the life-span of living beings determined by renunciation? Is it determined by non-renunciation? Is it determined by renunciation-non-renunciation?

A. 57. Gautama! The life-span of living beings as well as the life-span of the Vaimānikas is determined by all the three starting with renunciation. The life-span of the rest is determined by non-renunciation11.

Couplet:

Renunciation, its knowledge, its practice,
Determination of life-span by all the three—
These four topics have been discussed
In the Chapter on Sapradeśa.

Bhante! So they are. Glory be to the Lord! So saying, Bhagavān Gautama paid homage and obeisance to the Lord, and having done so, he withdrew to his seat.

Chapter Four ends.

Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):

11. The life-span of living beings is determined by all the three. So also the life-span of the Vaimānikas. Not so of infernal beings whose life-span is not determined by renunciation. Only unrenounced beings are born in the hells.

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