Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

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

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STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SUTRA
[Ch. It
ponderosity manifested in the continual repititions and cons. tantly stereotyped descriptions and forms of incorporations of materials into it, eg. “Namo Bambhie Livīe"'). “Namo suyassa,"9 “Vaņņao"3. "Samane Bhagavam Mahāvīre āigare tītthagare purisuttame, etc."
The precautions taken by Devarddhi Gaņin could not Save the text from insertions, interpolations, abbreviations, and omissions in spite of his best efforts by dividing this cano. nical work into Satakas, Uddeśakas and Sūtras successively. Its references to the parallel passages occurring in other sacred texts have frequently been made to abbreviate its volume by avoiding the continual repetitions of its contents with the connecting word 'Jāva'. Thus it has lessened descriptions ; besides there is a little variation in its forms made by alternating questions and answers without long continuation. The monotony of the sermons has thus been relieved by this deliberate interposition of dialogues and also by the presentation of its varied contents.
When the style of the Bhs is judged with an objective view, it is found that it has served its purpose in full by embodying the holy teachings of Lord Mahāvira in the form of conversations in the spoken language, as it explains "speech is the carrier of thought" (Mannāmīti ohāriņi bhāsā). It contains some literary flourishes in the form of numerous legends. parables, similes, metaphors, analogies, descriptions of persons and things, emotive prose, etc. faithfully transmitted from generation to generation and the manner of expression of the author to preach the holy teachings of Lord Mohāvira to the people. This method of explaining and interpreting the religious and philosophical doctrines made them easy, comprehensible and intelligible to the general mass for a clear conception and understanding and realization of the truth underlying them. The Master moved among all classes of people of the society, preaching his Law for their enlightenment,
i Bhs, 1, 1, 2. 5 I6, 2, 6. 113.
16, 1, 1, 3.
3 16, 1, 1, 4.
- 16, 1, 1, 5.