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 - Bondage of life-span

Q. 132. Bhante! How many have been stated to be the bondages of life-span?

A. 132. Gautama! Bondages of life-span have been stated to be of six types, which are, bondage determining race, bondage determining existence (species), bondage determining duration, bondage determining body-form, bondage determining space-points and bondage determining experiences. These are to be stated... till the Vaimānikas.

Q. 133. Bhante! Are the living beings bound by karma determining race,...till determining experiences?

A. 133. Gautama! The living beings are bound by karma determining race,... till dietermining experiences; and this is relevant of all species... till the Vaimānikas.

Q. 134. Bhante! Are the living beings bound by lifespan determining race... till determining experiences?

A. 134. Gautama! The living beings art bound by life-span determining race,... till determining experiences. And this is relevant of all species,... till the Vaimānikas. Thus they make 12 forms (daṇḍaka14).

Q. 135. Bhante! Are the living beings bound by race? Do they bind life-span with race? Are they yoked to race? Do they yoke life-span to race? Are they bound by race and line? Do they bind life-span to race and line? Are they yoked to race and line? Do they yoke life-span to race and line? Are they bound by race and line? Do they bind life-span to race and line? Are the living beings yoked to race and line? Do they tie up life-span with race and line,... till tie up life-span with experience and line?

A. 135. Gautama! The living beings tie up life-span with race and line,... till tie up life-span with experience and line. This description is to be' repeated... till the Vaimānikas.

Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):

14. These 12 forms are as follows:

  1. jāti-nāma nidhatta;
  2. jāti-nāma nidhattāyu;
  3. jāti-nāma niyukta;
  4. jāti-nāma niyuktāyu;
  5. jāti-gotra nidhatta;
  6. jāti-gotra nidhattāyu;
  7. jāti-gotra-niyukta;
  8. jāti-gotra niyuktāyu;
  9. jāti-nāma-gotra nidhatta;
  10. jāti-nāma-gotra nidhattāyu;
  11. jāti-nāma-gotra niyukta
  12. and jāti-nāma-gotra niyuktāyu.

The expressions which include āyu have a dominance of life-span. The word nidhatta means tie or bondage.

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