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 - Activities, iriyāpathikī and sāmparāikī
Q. 4. Bhante! Does a follower of the śramaṇa path, seated for performing a sāmāyika in the monks’ lodge, indulge in activity with due care and with knowledge and faith, called iriyāpathikī, or activity without care and without knowledge and faith, called sāmparāikī?
A. 4. Gautama! He indulges not in, īrīyāpathikī, but in sāmparāikī, activity.
Q. 5. Bhante! Why, till sāmparāikī activity?
A. 5. Gautama! The soul of a follower of the śramaṇa path, seated for performing a sāmāyika in the monks’ lodge, is still an instrument (of indulging in violence and being a victim of passions). Being an instrument, it does not perform īriyāpathikī activity, but performs sāmparāikī activity. Hence so, till sāmparāikī activity.
Q. 6. Bhante! A follower of the śramaṇa path has renounced, say, violence to mobile beings, but is not so renounced regarding the earth bodies. Now, digging the earth, he causes injury to mobile beings. Does it tantamount to a transgression of the vow?
A. 6. No, it does not. He had no intention to cause injury to mobile beings.
Q. 7. Bhante! A follower of the śramaṇa path has renounced, say, violence to plant life, but not to the earth bodies. Now, in digging the earth, he cuts the roots of some trees. Does it tantamount to a transgression of the vow?
A. 7. No, it does not. He had no intention to cut the roots.
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
(There is no commentary available for this section).