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 1 - Possibilities of display of happiness and misery

Q. 148. Bhante! Heretics so say,... till uphold that of all the living beings in the city of Rājagṛha, it is not possible to make an external display of their happiness and misery,... till even of the size of a berry seed, of bāla-paddy, of pea, of rice, of uḍad, of mūṅg [mūṅga?], of yukā, of likṣā. Bhante! How is it so?

A. 148. Gautama! What the heretics say,... till uphold is incorrect. Gautama! I say like this,... till uphold that of all the living beings all over the sphere, none is capable by any means or in any: size whatsoever to make an external display of happiness and misery.

Q. 149. Why so?

A. 149. Gautama! This isle named Jambūdvīpa,... state its dimensions. If a god with a great fortune,... till a great influence, takes a casket containing a fragrant paste and removes its cover, and then makes three sounds with the tips of his thumb and middle finger, and during this much time takes 21 rounds of the said Jambūdvīpa, and quickly returns, then, Gautama! from this speedy movement of the said god, is the whole of this isle named Jambūdvīpa touched by the fragrant matter or not?

—Yes, sir, it is so touched.

—Gautama! Is it possible for anyone to display that fragrant matter even as small as the size of a berry seed, etc.?

—No, it is not possible.

—It is for this,... till none is capable of making an external display of his happiness and misery.

Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):

(There is no commentary available for this section).

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