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 - Question of eternality
Q. 47. Bhante! Are the living beings eternal? Are they non-eternal?
A. 47. Gautama! In a sense they are eternal. In a sense, they are non-eternal.
Q. 48. Bhante! Why so?
A. 48. Gautama! As substance, they are eternal. As form they are non-eternal. Hence I say so.
Q. 49. Bhante! Are the infernal beings eternal? Are they non-eternal?
A. 49. The infernal beings are like any other living being (in this respect), and like this, till the Vaimānikas, eternal in a sense, non-eternal in another sense.
—Bhante! Right you are. It is truly so.
Chapter Two ends.
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
(There is no commentary available for this section).