Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

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

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STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SŪTRA [Ch. I (6) The Candāvijjhaya containing 174 verses is a work on the general discipline indicating the qualities which the teachers and disciples should have, the rules of conduct to follow in diverse circu mstances of life and at last the manner in which one should prepare himself for the holy death.
(7) The Devindatthava (Devendrastayas) containing about 292 verses in Pkt. enumerates, classifies and describes different gods.
(8) The Ganivijjā (Gaạitavidyā) is a short treatise of Astrology in 86 verses on the hours and days, constellations, planets as well as the favourable and nefast signs and on horoscope.
(9) The Mahāpaccakkhāņa (Mahāpratyākhyāna) is a general formula of confession and of renunciation, etc. in 142 verses.
(10) Vīratthava (Virastava) contains in 43 verses different names of the Jina, the hero who has vanquished all obstacles to freedom.
Next come the Cheda Sútrās - Books of "decision" or "statutes" the contents of which refer to the clergy and rules of conduct prescribed for them, though there is a large admixture of subsidiary matter of a legendary character, e.g., the entire Kalpa-Sutra. The first two rules according to the existing order refer to the expiation and penances (prāyaścitta and tapas) while the rest contain general matters refering to discipline. They are as follows :
(1) Nisīha (20 books) (Nisītha, Nişedha, Niśīthādhyayana). It contains rules prescribed for the monks and nuns for leading their lives according to them.
(2) Mahānisīha (6 sections)-This work discusses the teachings of Gautama Indrabhūti on transgress (Salla) and punishment (Pāyacchitta).
(3) The Vavahāra (ten uddeśakas or books) is the third Cheda Sūtra which treats of prescriptions and interdictions for the Jaina monks and nuns. The first Uddeśaka deals with-- Parihāratthāpanan (parihära-paristhāpana a kind of conduct) witha regard to 1, 2, 3, or 4 monks. The second with relation of two fellow monks (Sahammiya', the third with teacher and