Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

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

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Sec. 1]
STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SUTRA
desire of a monk), Amuccha (non-delusion)', Akohattva (angerlessness), etc."
Like the Sutrakṛtanga this canonical work deals with true faith (unflinching devotion to and faith in Guru), as it is explained thus: That which is spoken by the Jinas is true without any doubt (Tameva saccam nisamkaṁ Jinehim paveditam). He who bears it in mind practises it and returns from the other opinions to the view promulgated by the Jinas, is a true devotee and worshipper of the instructions of the Jinas (evam manam dhāremāņe Jāva bhavati).*
The BhS also mentions heterodox sects, such as, the Ajivikas, Vainayikas, Parivrajakas, Carakas, Vanaprasthas, 10 Tapasas," Jamali's sect, followers of Lord Parsvanatha's order, 18 other Tirthikas, etc.
The BhS preaches what the religious life should be in general and how it leads one to perfection, as the heretical doctrines have so many pitfalls that one should follow the teachings of Lord Mahavira to save himself from the down fall into them.15
13
The BhS deals with the substances from different aspects16 as they are treated in the Sthananga Sutra and it gives an exposition of them like the Samavayanga Sutra and mentions the twelve Angas and twenty-four Tirthankaras by their names.17
In agreement with the Nayadhammakahão this fifth Anga contains some edifying stories containing moral teachings, e. g.
1 Bhs, 10, 2, 400.
3 Vide infra Ch. VII, Sec, 3. 4 BhS, 1, 3, 31.
2 Ib, 1, 9, 74.
5 Vide infra Ch. VII, Scc. 8. 539-61.
1,
BhS, 11, 25; 5, 8, 330; 15,
7 Ib, 3, 1, 134; 3, 2, 144. 8 Ib, 14, 8, 529; 2, 1, 90 ff. 9 Ib, 1, 1, 25.
12 Ib, 9, 33, 386-7.
14 Ib, 7, 10, 305 etc.
15 Vide infra Ch, VII, Sec. 1, on various sects for all these
accounts.
16 Vide infra Ch. X, Sec. I. 17 Bhs, 20, 8, 672.
11,
12, 436.
10 Ib, 11, 9, 417. 11 Ib, 1, 1, 25. 13 Ib, 1, 9, 76; 9, 32, 371 etc.