Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

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

Page 31

STUDIES IN. THE BHAGAWATI SÚTRA [Ch. I important, because it furnishes in a systematic way the rules of observance of a Jaina layman, while the other books only provide illustrations.
The Antagada deals with the legend of pious princes, etc. who are striving after the attainment of liberation through death by inanition (Sailekhanā). It refers to the sections in the fifth? and sixth Angas”, Candanā, Prasenajit, etc.
The Aņuttar ovavāiy adusão is a collection of legends of saints like the preceding one, each of whom attained the highest (anuttura) heavenly world by their meritorious acts.
The Panhavāgarana (the work containing questions with their replies) deals with the principles of Jaina morals in ten sections comprising two parts--the first of which treats of *Aśrava' influx of karma-matter into soul which is thus attached to Karma ; the second prescribes the rules in regard to the function which enables the soul to stop (samvara) the influx of karma-matter and leads it to liberation.
It also makes reference to some foreign tribes--Milikkha jāti, such as Kunti, Saga, Javaņa, etc.'s Jupiter, the Moon, the Sun, Venus, Saturn, Rāhu, Dhūmaketu, Mereury, Mars, etc.
The Vivāga Suya consisting of two books (ten chapters) furnishes only illustrations to the preceding work. It proves by a series of legends what recompense is prescribed for straight conduct and what punishment is laid down for the violation of moral prescription. It contains legends of good and evil deeds.
Of the twelve Upāngas the Uvavāiya (Aupapātikv)" Suya is divided into two parts. The first contains a sermon of Lord Mabāvira on the Law in general, partly āgāradharma (householders' religion) and partly anāgāradharma (monastic religion)
1 Bhs, 11, 11, 430. 2 Nayachammakahão-(The material upto the taking of vows
of Goyama). * Panhāvāgaraņā-S. 4. • Vivāga suya-Duhavivāga & Suhhvivāga (Vipāka Satra). 5 Ovavaiyā, S. 74-100.