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 2 - On soul
Q. 150. Bhante! Is the soul consciousness? Is consciousness the soul?
A. 150. Gautama! As a rule, the soul is consciousness, and consciousness is the soul.
Q. 151. Bhante! Is the soul an infernal being? Is an infernal being the soul?
A. 151. Gautama! An infernal being is, as a rule, a soul; but a soul may be an infernal being or a non-infernal being.
Q. 152. Bhante! Is the soul an Asurakumāra? Is an Asurakumāra a soul?
A. 152. Gautama! An Asurakumāra is, as a rule, a soul; but a soul may or may not be an Asurakumāra.
Q. 153. Bhante! Is one who lives a soul? Is a soul called a living being because it lives?
A. 153. Gautama! As a rule, one who lives is a living being j but a soul sometimes lives (as a worldly being), and sometimes it does not so live (as in the case of the liberated souls).
Q. 154. Bhante! Is one who lives called an infernal being? Or, does one who is an infernal being live?
A. 154. Gautama! As a rule, an infernal being lives; but anyone who lives may or may not be an infernal being. This attribution is to be stated... till the Vaimānikas.
Q. 155. Bhante! Is the would-be-liberated an infernal being? Is an infernal being an would-be-liberated?
A. 155. Gautama! An would-be-liberated is sometimes an infernal being and sometimes other than an infernal being. An infernal being is sometimes an would-be liberated, and sometimes other than an would-be liberated. This attribution is to be stated... till the Vaimānikas.
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
(There is no commentary available for this section).