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 - On the chadmasta and the Kevalin
Q. 124. Bhante! Some ordinary people, chadmasta, who are otherwise fit to be born in some heaven, have their body frame so very reduced (may be due to austerities or illness) and are rendered incapable of large experiences because of their poor endeavour, activity, strength, energy and capability. What do you think of them?
A. 124. Gautama! It is correct that some ordinary people, because of their poor endeavour, till capability, are unfit to exert on a large scale, but still within the limited capability of their frame, they may renounce and exhaust the fetters of karma, and then the great outcome (liberation) is theirs.
Q. 125. Bhante! Suppose a man has limited avadhi knowledge, and is otherwise fit to be born in heaven, but he has his body frame, till capability, so very reduced. What do you think of him?
A. 125. Gautama! The same as stated just now, till the great outcome is his.
Q. 126. Bhante ! In case he has wide avadhi knowledge and is fit to be perfected in this very life. What do you think of him?
A. 126. The same as in the case of a chadmasta.
Q. 127. Bhante! If the person be a kevalin and is to be perfected in this very life, then?
A. 127. Gautama! The same as one with wide avadhi knowledge, till the great outcome is his.
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva SÅ«ri):
Q/A. 124. °³ó¾±á¹‡a-²ú³ó´Ç²µ¾± refers to one with poor physical capacity, maybe due to hard penance or chronic illness. Such a person whose enjoyment becomes limited cannot be said to be renounced in any sense. But if he renounces within the limit of his capacity, he can still exhaust karma and enter into liberation.