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 - On the transformation of matter
In the city of Rājagṛha, till made the following submission:
Q. 1. Bhante! How many types of matter are there?
A. 1. Gautama! They are stated to be of three types, viz., matter consciously transformed, matter as a mixture of the two and matter spontaneously transformed.
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
Q. 1. Matter consciously transformed into body, etc., through the activity of a living being is called prayoga-pariṇata pudgala. Matter spontaneously transformed, is called visrasā-pariṇata pudgala. A third transformation is a mixture of the two, misrasā-pariṇata pudgala. The third form is attained when the first is in suspense and the second operates as in the case of (the disintegration of) a dead body, or when the natural process of gross body formation is supplemented by food intake which is a conscious process.