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 - Eternality or otherwise of infernal beings
Q. 76. Bhante! Are the infernal beings eternal or non-eternal?
A. 76. Gautama! Sometimes eternal and sometimes non-eternal.
Q. 77. Bhante! Why do you say so?
A. 77. Gautama! Eternal as per avvocchittinaya (which is about substance), but non-eternal as per vocchittinaya (which is about form). Hence they are eternal as well as non-eternal. And this holds good, till the Vaimānikas.
—Bhante! Right you are. It is truly so.
Chapter Three ends.
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
Q/A. 77. Avvocchittinaya is consideration as substance and vocchittinaya is consideration as form.