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34th Paricārṇāpada (Primary * Prājñāpanāsūtra)
This is the 34th Paricārṇāpada. In some copies, the word 'Pravicārṇā' is found, which is the root of the word 'Pravīcāra' in the 'Tattvārthasūtra'. Therefore, Paricārṇā and Pravīcāra are synonymous. * The word 'Paricāra' is also found in the Kaṭhopaniṣad. * Pravīcāra or Paricārṇā both mean sexual intercourse, sensual enjoyment, erotic play, passion, indulgence in sensual pleasures, etc.
Indian spiritual aspirants, especially the Jain Tīrthaṅkaras, have not given as much importance to the devas as to human beings. The devas are certainly ahead of humans in terms of sensual pleasures and worldly enjoyments, and are skilled in assuming any desired form, but the human birth is considered the highest, because liberation from the objects of senses and passions is possible only in the human birth, in the human form. Bhagavān Mahāvīra has repeatedly emphasized the rarity of the human birth by saying 'Māṇuṣaṃ khu dullabhaṃ'. This is why the superiority of the sensual enjoyments of the devas in the nine Graiveyaka and five Anuttaravimāna realms, as well as other devas, is clearly expounded to highlight the importance of the human life. Except for the highest-class Vaimānika devas, other devas cannot renounce the sensual enjoyments of the senses.
Although the highest-class Vaimānika devas are free from Paricārṇā and Devī, they cannot be called celibate, as they do not have the results of character. Whereas in the human life, one can become a complete celibate or a limited celibate by becoming a Mahāvratī-Sarvavirati-sādhaka.
This pada expounds the various aspects of the Paricārṇā of the devas. Although the initial statement is related to food, upon deeper examination, it becomes clear that the statement about food is relevant here, as the basis of Paricārṇā or sexual intercourse is the body, and the related touch, form, sound, mind, limbs, senses, physical beauty, grace, agility, or complexion, etc.