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 4 - Isles and seas
Q. 136. Bhante! Does the Salt Sea have its water sprayed? Does it have its water not sprayed? Does it have its water disturbed? Does it have its water not disturbed?
A. 136. Gautama! The water of the Salt Sea is sprayed, not unsprayed, disturbed, not undisturbed. Starting from here, (state) as per the Jīvābhigama Sūtra15. For this, it is so, oh Gautama! The outer seas are full, filled to capacity, filled to the brim, with water throbbing, full like a pitcher, similar in shape, but different in size,—each double the preceding one,... till in this world of beings, there are many isles and seas, ending with Svayambhūramaṇa.
Q. 137. Bhante! How many have been stated to be the names of isles and seas?
A. 137. Gautama! The names of isles and seas have been stated to be as many as there are auspicious names, auspicious forms, auspicious smells, auspicious juice and auspicious touches. To be stated are their numbers, and the constituents of all living beings.
Bhante! So they are. Glory be to the Lord! So saying, Bhagavān Gautama paid his homage and obeisance to the Lord and having done so, he withdrew to his seat.
Chapter Eight ends.
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
15. By its inherent nature, the water of the Salt Sea rises to be scattered all over. So its water surface is never calm. The water is disturbed by tidal bores also which are created by subterranean winds.
For the rest, reference is made to the Jīvābhigama Sūtra. Beyond two and a half isles and two seas, the seas are not disturbed but have a calm surface. They are full to the brim like a jar full of water. In the Salt Sea, clouds are formed and they cause rainfall. This is not so in other seas. In these seas, many water-bodies, jīvas and pudgalas come in, go out, take birth and die. Their shapes are similar, but their sizes become double from one to the next one. They are beautified by the blossoms of flowers of diverse varieties, such as utpala, padma, kumuda, nalīna, etc., In fact, the number of isles and seas are as many as there are auspicious words in the world to signify beautiful names, forms, smells, substances and touches. The number of such isles and seas would easily run into krores of sāgaropamas. They are the outcome of earth, water, soul and matter. All prāṇas, bhūtas, jīvas and sattvas,...till mobile beings have been born in these many times or an infinite number of times.