Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

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

Page 644

Sec. 111] STUDIES IN THE BĦAGAWATI SUTRA 619
This canonical work makes a valuable contribution to the study of Cosmology, Cosmography and Geography' which compare well with those of the Brāhmaṇical and Buddhist works.
THIRD SECTION
Philosophical value of the work?
The Bh S stands supreme and shines aloft in glory as the most valuable philosophical treatise among all the Āgamas. In this respect it is an analytical work, dealing with the principles of Metaphysics and gives a subtle critical exposition of them in general and that of the doctrine of Matter' in particular containing an idea of the atomic theory, as ever propounded by any system of Indian Philosophy in a comprehensive manner.
This canonical work embodies the principles of life and the Universe and explains and interprets them with logical niceties. It reveals the relation of Metaphysics with Physics and shows that the metaphysical inquiry goes beyond the aspects of Physics.
The BLS throws an important light upon cosmogony--order, permanence and continuation of life and the Universes by explaining the principle of transformation of astitva (the state of existence) into astitva (that of existence) and that of nāstitva (non-existence) into that of nāstitva (non-existence). It expounds the law of eternality of the Universe and Non-Universe, of beings and non-beings without succession and deals with the evolution of spirit operating through the process of birth and rebirth. Because the Universe is a system of reals, all inter-related with one another from the aspects of substance, space, time and condition respectively, having a fundamental unity in diversity.
Reality is conceived as Dravya (substance) which is endowed with infinite qualities (gunas) as well as modes (paryāyas),
? Vide Ch, X.
1 Vide, Ch. IX. 3 Vide, Ch. x. Sec. 1.