Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

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

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Sec. I] STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SŪTRA
As in the Nandi Sūtra, the Bhs also makes reference to some Gañadharas of Lord Mahāvīra, such as, Goyama Indabhūi, Aggibhūi, Vāyubhai', etc., and explains the theory of knowledge and makes classification of the Āgamas into twelve Angas'. It contains the theory of Logic and also Epistemology like the Anuyogadvāra.
In agreement with the Müla Sūtras the BhS teaches the monk or young monk some of his principal duties and provides him with the rules against dangers which may befall an ascetic career.
The BhS treats of the compulsory observance of vows and rules prescribed for the monks and contains some legendary data on the twenty-four Tirthankaras in brief and Munisuvrata? and Vimala in particular and some information on the discipline of Lord Mahāvīra as well as the first schism led by Jamälilo as evidenced in the Avasyaka Sitra.
In addition to these varied contents the BhS furnishes a good deal of information regarding the classification of the Nirgrantha monks into the categories of Pulāka, Bakusa upto Snätaka" and that of the Sanyatas (self-controlled), Sumavasarana," viz. Kriyāvādins, Akriyāvadins, Ainānikavādins and Vainayikavādina, Yugmas,18 political, social and economic conditions education, various leaders of thought and their systems and philosophies in general and Ajīvikism in particular, contemporary history, particularly the two political events-called Mahāśilalanțaka-Sangrāma, and RathamusalaSangrāma, Cosmology, Cosmography and Geography, evolution of Jaina Philosophy, Psychology, Epistemology, Ethics, logic and the Doctrine of Karma", presented in a consolidated manner.
1 Vide infra Ch. VIII, Sec. I on the topic 'Lord Mahāvīra as teacher'.
? Vide infra Ch. X, Sec. 3 3 Bhs, 20, 8, 678.
4 Vide infra Ch. X, Sec. 5 5 Vide infra Ch. VII, Sec. 3 # Bh8, 20, 8, 678.
7 16, 18, 12, 638. 8 1b, 11, 11, 431.
9 16, 15, 1, 541 ff, ; 18, 10, 647. 10 16, 9, 33, 386-7.
11 Vide infra Ch. VII, See, I 12 Bhs, 30(1-4)824 to 828. 13 I6, 31, i, 829 to 41, 1-196, 868. 14 For details see infra Ch. III to X.