Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

Author(s): J C Sikdar
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

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metaphysical principles in general and the doctrine of matter in particular, containing an idea of the atomic theory, and reveals the relation of Metaphysics with Physics by dealing with the six fundamental substances of the Universe, viz. Dharma (principle of motion), Adharma (principle of rest), Ākāja (space), Jiva (soul), Pudgala (matter) and Addhāsamaya (time). It shows that the metaphysical inquiry goes beyond the aspects of Physics.
The section of this chapter dealing with ethics reveals that the unlimited possession of wealth and its unrestricted enjoyments have not been commended as final according to the ethical principles laid down in this canonical work, for the forces of desire and enjoyments lead man to the mad lust for wealth and consequent suffering. So it lays a great emphasis on the principle of non-possession (aparigraha).
The eleventh chapter makes the estimation of the value of the BIS from the literary, historical and philosophical points of view and reveals that its value lies in the fact of its service to mankind with its thought-provoking and wisdom evoking principles of truth of life and Nature, amply and brilliantly expressed in thoughts evolved by the rational ideas of Lord Mahāvīra.
The critical study of the Bhs was assigned to me in July, 1954 by my late revered teacher, Dr. Prabodh Chandra Bagchi, the then ViceChancellor of the Vishya-Bharati University at Shantiniketan where I served as Research Scholar-cum-honorary lecturer for about three years. There I made free study of some Jaina canonical works in general and the BIS in particular. After the sudden death of Dr. Bagchi on the 19th January, 1956, naturally I could not get the proper guidance at proper time ; still I resolved myself to continue the studies in the same subject as an academic duty as assigned by him. Fortunately I got timely help from Dr. Hiralal Jajn, M, A., LL. B., D. LITT., then Director, Research Institute of Prakrit, Jainology and Ahimsa, Muzaffarpur, Bihar. It is he who kindly gave me a seat as Research scholar in the Institute in March, 1957, to continue my studies in the same subject under his mature