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 - Last life of a devotee
Q. 400. Bhante! Through high devotion to knowledge, in how many lives does one attain perfection, till end all misery?
A. 400. Gautama! Some are perfected, till end all misery in that very life; some others in two lives; some are born in heavens called kalpas, and some in those beyond the kalpas.
Q. 401. Bhante! Through high devotion to faith, in how many births does one attain perfection, till end all misery?
A. 401. Gautama! As in the case of high knowledge.
Q. 402. Bhante! Through high devotion to conduct, till end all misery?
A. 402. Gautama! The same, except that some are born in heavens beyond the kalpas.
Q. 403. Bhante! Through medium devotion to knowledge, in how many births does one attain perfection, till end all misery?
A.403. Gautama! Some are perfected, till end all misery, in two lives; in any case, they are not born beyond their third life.
Q. 404. Bhante! What about those with a medium devotion to faith?
A. 404. Gautama! The same, and so also in the case of medium devotion to conduct.
Q. 405. Bhante! Through low devotion to knowledge, in how many births does one attain perfection, till end all misery?
A. 405. Gautama! Some are perfected, till end all misery in three lives; in any case, they are not born beyond their seventh or eighth life. The same holds good of low devotion to faith and low devotion to conduct.
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
(There is no commentary available for this section).