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 7 - Karma bondage of the soul
Q. 416. Bhante! How many are the types of karma?
A. 416. Gautama! Eight, viz., karma enshrouding knowledge, till karma causing obstruction.
Q. 417. Bhante! How many are the types of karma for the infernal beings?
A. 417. Gautama! Eight, and this holds good of all the living beings, till the Vaimānikas.
Q. 418. Bhante! How many are the inseparable chapters (layers) of karma enshrouding knowledge?
A, 418. Gautama! They are infinite in number.
Q. 419. Bhante! How many are the inseparable chapters of karma enshrouding knowledge in the case of the infernal beings?
A.419. Gautama! They are also infinite in number; and this holds good of all the living beings.
Q. 420. And what about the Vaimānikas, pray?
A. 420. The same infinite. And what has been said of karma enshrouding knowledge holds good of all the eight types of karma, till one causing obstruction, and applies to all living beings, till the Vaimānikas.
Q. 421. Bhante! How many inseparable chapters of karma enshrouding knowledge encircle and envelope each and every space-point of a single living being?
A. 421. Gautama! Sometimes it is so encircled and enveloped, and sometimes it is not. When it is encircled and enveloped, it is so, as a rule, by an infinite number of inseparable chapters.
Q. 422. Bhante! How many inseparable chapters of karma enshrouding knowledge encircle and envelope each and every space-point of an infernal being?
A. 422. Gautama! As a rule, they are infinite in number; and this holds good of all the living beings, till the Vamānikas. Human beings are like five organ beings.
Q. 423. Bhante! How many inseparable chapters of karma enshrouding faith encircle and envelope each and every space-point of a living being?
A. 423. Similar to karma enshrouding knowledge, and this holds good of all the living beings, till the Vairnānikas, till karma causing obstruction, exception being karma giving experience, life-span, name and lineage. In these four cases, what has been said of the infernal beings will apply to human beings. The rest as stated before.
Notes (based on commentary of Abhayadeva Sūri):
Q. 418. That which remains indivisible even by the knowledge of the omniscient is called abibhāga-palichedā.