Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

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

Page 464

Sec. VII] STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SUTRA
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savvajīvāvī pauṭṭaparihāraṁ pariharaṁti."1 There are six inviolable laws which govern the life of all beings, viz. Labha (gain), Alabha (loss), Sukha (happiness), Dukha (suffering), Jivita (birth or life) and Marana (death).
They are explained by Gośāla with a reference to the statement of Aṣṭangamahanimitta (the principle of eight great causes) embodied in the Purva (10th pūrva), viz. Divyam (heavenly), utpatum (portent), Antariksam (sky or atmosphere), Bhaumam (earthly), Angam (that relating to body), Svaram (sound), Laksanam (mark or sign) and Vyanjanam (manifestation).
A critical study of these eight great causes reveals that Ajīvikism was founded on science which propounded the theory of causation. This law of cause and effect pervades the whole Universe and governs all events of phenomenal and noumenal aspects of life and nature. For example, the science of Laksana and Vyanjana dealt with the distinguished marks of a great man as well as the way of testing and selecting the best type of men and women, horses, gems, jewels and the like. Music and dance formed the two märgas (paths) of Ajīvikism called Gitamarga and Nrtyamarga. Besides these principles, it is stated to be the explanation of the - Ajivika doctrine that all beings are uninterrupted enjoyers (akkhinapaḍibhoino savve sattä), SO they take food by killing, cutting, piercing, taking out the skin of beings and destroying other beings. According to the doctrine of parivarttavada anyone whoever attained or attains or will attain emancipation will have to enter into eighty-four lakhs Mahakalpas (period of time), seven celestial births, seven samjnigarbhas (womb of human embryo, i. e. sentient birth & seven parivṛtya-parihāras (or parivartta-parihara, i.e. entrance or birth of beings into seven other bodies). He attains enlightenment and liberation by anni
1 Bhs, 15, 1, 544. 4 Ib, 15, 1, 539.
2 Ib, 15, 1, 539. 5 Ib, 8, 5, 350.
3 Ib, (Comm.).