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INTRODUCTION
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Adhyayana XXXI contains questions and answers about the universe (loka) and the gradation (gati) of living beings. It discusses nature etc. of living substance (jīvadravya) and matter (pudgala). It describes the nature etc. of apunarbhava. Even in the alternative recension of this Adhyayana all these topics are discussed.
Adhyayana XXXII depicts spiritual cultivation (kļşi).
Adhyayana XXXIII describes the marks which enable one to recognise the wise and the fool. Again, it enumerates merits of good speech and demerits of bad speech. It exhorts one to keep the company of the wise and prohibits one to keep the company of the fool. It emphasises the importance of good religion. Moreover, it mentions characteristics of a good and a bad friend.
Adhyayana XXXIV deals with the topic of patient endurance of afflictions and calamities. Besides, it mentions duties of the wise.
Adhyayana XXXV expounds four passions which cause karmic bondage and then describes spiritual discipline which leads to emancipation
Adhyayana XXXVI deals with renunciation of anger.
Adhyayana XXXVII gives an account of the vow of not taking food at night; this vow is an essential part of monastic conduct.
Adhyayana XXXVIII points out the superiority of happiness which leads to further happiness. Moreover, it contains different sermons of the wise.
Adhyayana XXXIX treats of renunciation of evil acts. Adhyayana XL discusses the controlling of desires.
Adhyayana XLI prohibits one to exhibit one's practice of penance and asceticism for livelihood and describes faultless begging of food.
Adhyayana XLII prohibits one to follow conduct involving defects and violence.
Adhyayana XLIII exhorts one to remain indifferent to gains and losses.
Adhyayana XLIV states that if one curbs one's attachment and aversion, one can attain right faith.
Adhyayana XLV preaches renunciation of desires, of evil acts and of violence. Besides, it expounds at length non-violence and observance of the instructions of the Jina. Again, it exhorts one to renounce pride due to supernatural powers.
The Rsibhasitasutra is referred to in the Samavāyāngasūtra. This naturally proves its antiquity. The concerned text of the Samavāyāngasūtra is as follows: 'coyālīsam ajjhayanā isibhāsiyā diyalogacuyābhāsiya pannatta' (The Samavāyāngasūtra, 44th Samavāya). Abhayadevasūri's comment on this is as follows:
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