Sambodhi 2002 Vol 25

Author(s): Jitendra B Shah, N M Kansara
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 86

Vol. XXV, 2002
VERSES RELATING TO SVABHAVAVADA A COLLECTION 81
TRANSLATIONS
1. Some say there is a future life but do not explain the means of liberation. They teach that there is an essential force of nature (prakṛti) at work in the continuance of activity, like the essential heat of fire and the essential liquidity of water.
(Trans. E.H. Johnston)
2. Some explain that good and evil and existence and non-existence originate by natural development (svabhäva); and since all this world originates by natural development, again therefore effort is vain.
(Do)
3. That the action of each sense is limited to its own class of object, that the qualities of being agreeable or disagreeable is to be found in the objects of the senses, and we are affected by old age and afflictions, in all that what room is there for effort? Is it not purely a natural development ? (Do)
4. The oblation-devouring fire is stilled by water, and the flames cause water to dry up. The elements, separate by nature, group themselves together into bodies and coalescing constitute the world.
(Do)
5. That, when the individual enters the womb, he develops hands, feet, belly, back and head, and that his soul unites with that body, all this the doctrine of this school attributes to natural development.
(Do)
6. Who fashions the sharpness of the thorn or the varied nature of beast and bird? All this takes place by natural development. There is no such thing in this respect as action of our own will, a fortiori no possibility of effort. (Do)
6a. Who fashions the sharpness of the thorns and the varied nature of beasts and birds? Who fashions the sugarcane sweet and the margosa bitter? All this takes place by matural development.
(Trans. mine)
6b. The sharpness of the thorn, the variety of the peacock and the colour of the cocks are (due to) natural development.
(Do)