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248
Bhagavati Sätra
79. Accepting the meaning given by some commentators to fettha' as 'own self', and to 'iha' as 'another self', the Sutra is translated as follows :
"One should treat self in the same manner as another self; and one should treat another self in the same manner as own self.”
An alternative meaning that has been suggested may be stated like this: both 'ettha' and 'iha' are derived from the same word “etad' and hence both convey the same meaning, viz., someone or something. As per this, the translation of the Sutra may be somewhat like this:
"Both monks and lay followers who are engaged in the service of the Lord are in his august presence.”
Compare Abhayadeva. Suri :
Ettham ti etasmin mayi sannihite svašişye gamanīyam vastu prajñāpaniya n...iha asmin grhipäkhandikâdau jane gamaniyam vastu prakāśaniyamiti...athavă ettham ti svåtmani yathā gamanīyam... tatha iha parātmani...athava...samănăr thatvad dvayorapi.
The translator is, however, not very happy either about the text or about the aiternative meanings thereof as given by the commentators.
80. Bondage is generated by five factors, viz., falsehood, non-abstinence, carelessness, passions and activities. In stating two causes here, viz., carelessness and activities, other three have not been forgotten. Carelessness is to be taken in a broad sense so as to cover falsehood, non-abstinence and passions. Carelessness as such includes eight items as follows: ignorance, doubt, wrong knowledge, attachment, perversion, disrespect to religion, inauspicious activities and improper meditation. Hence there is no contradiction in saying that carelessness and activities are the cause of bondage.
