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 - Types of trees
Q. 185. Bhante! How many types are the trees?
A. 185. Gautama! They are of three types, viz., those with a limited number of souls, those with an unlimited number of souls and those with an infinite number of souls.
Q. 186. What are those with a limited number of souls?
A. 186. Gautama! They are of many types, viz., tāla, tamāla, takkali, tetali, till nalieri, as stated in the Prajñāpaṇā Sūtra. State as each one is.
Q. 187. What are those with an unlimited number of souls?
A. 187. They are of two types, viz., those with a single seed, and these with many seeds.
Q. 188. What are those with a single seed, pray?
A. 188, They are of many types, viz., neem, mango, berry, as stated in the Prajñāpaṇā, till with many seeds. They have an unlimited number of souls.
Q. 189. And what are those with an infinite number of souls?
A. 189. They are of many types, such as, potato, raddish, ginger, as stated in Book Seven above, till siuṇḍi and musuṇḍi. State each as it is.
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
Q. 185. The details about these trees and fruits and their names are contained in the Prajñāpaṇā Sūtra, Pada one.