Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

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

Page 630

Sec. VI]
STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SOTRA
605
bandha is divided into two groups, viz. prayogabandha (bondage caused by the action of jīva (soul or being) and visrasāban (that which takes place by the natural process). They are further sub-divided into different kinds and discussed from various aspects, such as, its causes, duration, intensity, quantity, etc. with regard to all beings.
Bhāvabandha is of two kinds, viz. mūlaguņapraksti-bandha (bondage of the eight fundamental species of karma) and uttaragunaprakrti-bandha (that of the sub-species of karma) on the basis of the result of the reprehensible thought activities which are the causes of the actual influx of karmu affecting the soul. These two kinds of bhāvabandha are sub-divided into different groups according to their respective numbers, e. g. there are stated to be eight kinds of mūlaguna-prakrtibandha, viz. jñānāvaraniya upto antarāyika-kar mabandha."
Liberation
Liberation is the freedom of the soul from the bondage of karma and thereby the stoppage of its rebirth. It can be achieved by two processes, viz. samvara (the stoppage of the influx of new karma--matters into the soul) and nirjarä (the dissociation of the accumulated karma-matters in the soul).
Samvara (Stoppage of the influx of karma-matters)
Samvara can be attained by the observance of (1) the five great vows, viz. non-injury upto non-possession, (2) that of samitis (self-control) in walking, speech, taking of food, etc., (3) that of three guptis (restraint of mind, speech and body and control of senses), (4) that of dharmas consisting of continence, renouncement (straight-forwardness, attainment of virtue), forgiveness, conquering of senses, purity, desirelessness, well devotion to sramanahood, controlling of passion, penance, etc., (5) anupreksā (deliberation or meditation about the transitoriness of the mundane world, truths, process of birth, one's own responsibility for good and evil deeds,
1 Bh8, 8, 3, 345.
16, 18, 3, 621.
8 16, 2, 1, 92, 9, 33, 384.