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 9 - Nature of a living being
Q. 438. Bhante! Is a living being an owner of matter (pudgali) or matter (pudgala) itself?
A. 438. Gautama! He is a pudgali as well as a pudgala, an owner of matter as well as matter itself.
Q. 439. Bhante! Why do you say that he is a pudgali as well as a pudgala?
A. 439. Gautama! As one with an umbrella (chatra) is called a chatri, with a stick (danda) a dandi, with a jar (ghata) a ghatī, with a piece of silk (pata) a patī, with a hand (kara) a kari, so a living being with the organs of hearing, vision, smell, taste and touch is called a pudgali; but relative to another living being, he is a pudgala. Hence so.
Q. 440. Bhante! Are the infernal beings pudgali or pudgala?
A. 440. As aforesaid, till the Vaimānikas; but in each case, the number of sense organs must be specifically stated.
Q. 441. Bhante! Are the perfected beings pudgali or pudgala?
A. 441. Not pudgali but pudgala.
Q. 442. Bhante! Why do you say so, till pudgala?
A 442. Gautama! Relative to another living being, a perfected being is a pudgala. Hence so.
—Bhante! You are right. It is so.
Chapter Ten ends.
Book Eight ends.
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
(There is no commentary available for this section).