Bhagavati Sutra Ke Thokdo Ka Dwitiya Bhag

This document is the second part of a Jain text called the "Bhagavati Sutra ke Thokdo ka Dwitiya Bhag" (Bhagavati Sutra's Thokdas, Part Two), authored by Ghevarchand Banthiya and published by Jain Parmarthik Sanstha Bikaner. The text is a commentary and explanation of the "Thokdas" (sections or chapters) of the Bhagavati Sutra, covering from the third to the seventh century.

The book is presented under a Fair Use Declaration by "The Free Indological Collection" (TFIC) of SanskritDocuments.org, emphasizing its use for educational and research purposes and belief in its public domain status.

The core of the document consists of summaries and explanations of various sections ("Thokdas") of the Bhagavati Sutra, presented as dialogues between Lord Mahavir (Bhagavan) and his disciple Gautama Swami. Each "Thokda" addresses specific Jain philosophical and cosmological concepts.

Here's a breakdown of the content covered in the provided pages, organized by the "Thokda" number:

Thokda 33: Regarding Divine Forms and the Powers of Deities This section discusses the different types of celestial beings (Indra, Samanika, Trayastrimshaka, Lokpal, Agramahishi) and their respective powers, particularly their ability to transform and fill vast regions of the universe (like Jambudweepa) with their created forms. It also touches upon the concept of "Vikriya" (transformation) and the differing capacities of various celestial orders.

Thokda 34: Emanations of Chamarendra This Thokda delves into the residences and movements of Asura Kumara deities, specifically focusing on the powerful deity Chamarendra. It details their geographical locations within the cosmic structure, their powers of movement, and their motivations for visiting different realms, such as causing distress to enemies or celebrating Tirthankara events. It also recounts a specific incident involving Chamarendra and Shakra, highlighting the intervention of Sanatkumar for dispute resolution.

Thokda 35: Peculiarities of Avadhijnana and Related Concepts This section explores the nature and limitations of Avadhijnana (clairvoyance). It discusses how an individual with Avadhijnana can perceive things, including seeing deities and their vehicles (vimanas), or only one of them, or neither. It also includes discussions on various aspects of existence like "Vayukaya" (air beings) and their transformations, the type of "leshya" (soul color) at the time of death, and the capabilities of ascetics with "Vikriya Labdhi" (power of transformation).

Thokda 36: Ascetic's Transformation (Anagar Vikriya) This Thokda continues the discussion on the power of transformation as it applies to ascetics. It clarifies that only "Mayi" (enchanted/deluded) ascetics, who consume rich food, possess the ability to transform. "Amayi" (non-deluded) ascetics, who consume austere food, do not have this power. The text explains the difference in their physical composition and how it relates to this ability.

Thokda 37: Transformation of Villages and Cities This section addresses the concept of transforming mundane places like villages and cities. It differentiates between the perception of "Samayik" (correct, real) and "Anyatha Bhav" (opposite, unreal) through the lens of "Vibhang Jnana" (a lower form of clairvoyance) and correct Avadhijnana. It also discusses the possibility of creating towns and cities through transformation.

Thokda 38: Shakra's Lokpalas and Ishana's Lokpalas and Capitals This Thokda provides details about the celestial administrators (Lokpalas) and their respective residences (capitals) under Lord Shakra and Lord Ishana. It enumerates their names, the dimensions of their realms, their lifespans, and the specific domains they govern (e.g., prosperity, justice, natural phenomena).

Thokda 39: Adhipati Devas (Lord Deities) This Thokda categorizes different types of celestial beings and identifies their "Adhipatis" (lords or rulers). It covers Bhavanpati deities (like Asura Kumara), Vayavyantara deities, Jyotishi deities, and Vaimanika deities, detailing the hierarchical structure of their leadership.

Thokda 40: Assemblies and Lifespans of Deities This section discusses the "Parikshada" (assemblies or councils) of deities in different celestial realms. It details the types of assemblies and their functions. It also provides a numerical breakdown of the number of deities and their lifespan within these assemblies, offering specific figures for various celestial lords and their retinue.

Thokda 41: Trembling and Non-Trembling (Kampa, Akampa) and Related Concepts This Thokda delves into the physics and philosophy of matter, specifically focusing on "Prana" (atoms) and their properties. It discusses concepts like trembling and non-trembling, their relationship to elements, and the various ways atoms can interact and exist. It also covers aspects like the qualities of matter (color, smell, taste, touch), their states (subtle, gross), sound, and the duration of their existence.

Thokda 42: Pronominal and Non-Pronominal (Sapradeshi, Apradeshi) and Related Concepts This Thokda presents a debate between two ascetics, Niyanthiputra and Naradputra, regarding the nature of "Pudgala" (matter). The discussion revolves around whether all matter is inherently pronominal (having parts) or non-pronominal, and how these attributes relate to substance, space, time, and state. It explores the complex interplay of these categories.

Thokda 43: Increasing, Decreasing, and Stable States (Vardhmana, Hayamaana, Avatta) This Thokda explains the concepts of "Vardhmana" (increasing), "Hayamaana" (decreasing), and "Avatta" (stable or unchanging) as they apply to beings. It discusses how these states are observed in different categories of life forms, including hell-dwellers, celestial beings, and various types of souls, and examines the lifespans associated with each state.

Thokda 44: Self-Controlled and Non-Self-Controlled (Sovachaya, Savachaya) This Thokda categorizes beings into four types based on the increase and decrease of souls: Sovachaya (only increasing), Savachaya (only decreasing), Sovachaya-Savachaya (both increasing and decreasing), and Niruvachaya-Niruvachaya (neither increasing nor decreasing, i.e., stable). It analyzes how these categories apply to different realms of existence.

Thokda 45: Rajagriha City and Related Concepts This Thokda focuses on the city of Rajagriha and discusses concepts like light and darkness, the knowledge of time (seconds, minutes, epochs), and the cycle of celestial events. It also touches upon the nature of life cycles and the understanding of these cycles by different beings.

Thokda 46: Suffering, Nirvana, and Karma Bond This Thokda examines the relationship between suffering ("Vedana") and liberation ("Nirjara"). It explores how intense suffering can lead to significant liberation, and vice-versa. It discusses the nature of karma and how different types of actions lead to different types of karmic consequences. It also details the process of karma bondage.

Thokda 47: Karma Bond of Fifty Principles This Thokda analyzes the "Fifty Principles" (Bolas) and their connection to karmic bondage. It details various categories of life forms and their adherence to these principles, outlining which karmic bonds apply to each category. It provides a detailed account of how different actions and states of being influence the accumulation of karma.

Thokda 48: Time and Place (Kala, Desha) This Thokda discusses the concepts of time and place in relation to existence. It explores how beings are situated in different temporal and spatial contexts, and how these factors influence their experiences and karma. It delves into the nature of prana (atoms) and their interactions.

Thokda 49: Vow and Abstinence (Pratyakhyana) This Thokda focuses on the concept of vows and abstinence ("Pratyakhyana") within Jainism. It discusses different types of vows, their observance, and the consequences of adhering to or breaking them. It differentiates between full and partial vows and their impact on an individual's spiritual progress.

Thokda 50: Tamaskaya (Dark Matter/Region) This Thokda describes a significant cosmological concept called "Tamaskaya," which appears to refer to a region of intense darkness or a dense, dark substance in the Jain universe. It details its composition, location, extent, appearance, and the beings that inhabit or are associated with it.

Thokda 51: Krishnaraji and Lokantika Devas This Thokda discusses "Krishnaraji" (dark lines or regions) and the "Lokantika Devas" (deities residing at the edges of the universe). It describes the location and characteristics of Krishnaraji, and provides details about the Lokantika Devas, their residences, and their role in the cosmos.

Thokda 52: Death and Rebirth through Marananthika Samudghata This Thokda explains the process of "Marananthika Samudghata," a specific type of soul projection at the time of death, and its implications for rebirth. It discusses how this process can lead to reincarnation in different realms, including hells and celestial abodes.

Thokda 53: Time Intervals and Auspicious Eras This Thokda focuses on the concept of time, discussing various time units and the progression of epochs. It describes the conditions and characteristics of different eras within the Jain cosmological framework, including the "Avasharpini" (descending) and "Utsarpini" (ascending) periods.

Thokda 54: Earth and Other Elements This Thokda discusses the composition of the earth and other elements, such as water, fire, and air. It delves into their characteristics, locations, and the beings that inhabit them. It also touches upon the concept of "Vigraha Gati" (motion in a straight line between realms).

Thokda 55: Lifespan Bondage (Ayushya Bandha) This Thokda analyzes the concept of "Ayushya Bandha," the bondage of lifespan. It explains how lifespan is determined and the different ways in which it can be bonded. It categorizes these bonds and discusses their implications for rebirth and the duration of existence in various life forms.

Thokda 56: Happiness, Suffering, and Soul States This Thokda explores the nature of happiness and suffering from a Jain perspective. It discusses how beings experience these states and the role of karma in shaping these experiences. It also touches upon the concept of "Chaitanya" (consciousness) and its relationship to the soul.

Thokda 57: Digestion and Assimilation (Ahar) This Thokda focuses on the process of digestion and assimilation of food ("Ahar") by living beings. It discusses how different organisms take in and process food, and how this relates to their sustenance and karmic cycles.

Thokda 58: Vegetarianism and Ascetic Practices This Thokda discusses various aspects of ascetic practices and their impact on spiritual development. It examines the principles of vegetarianism, the proper way to consume food, and the rules and regulations for ascetics.

Thokda 59: Supattyakhyana and Dupyatyakhyana (Good and Bad Vows) This Thokda differentiates between good and bad vows ("Supattyakhyana" and "Dupyatyakhyana"). It clarifies what constitutes a correctly undertaken vow and the consequences of improperly observing vows. It also discusses the types of vows and their impact on karma.

Thokda 60: Vegetation and Its Life Forms This Thokda discusses vegetation and the various life forms associated with it. It explores the different types of plants, their characteristics, and the life they support. It also touches upon the concept of "Leshya" (soul color) and its relationship to karma.

Thokda 61: The Soul and Its States This Thokda focuses on the nature of the soul ("Jiva") and its various states of existence. It discusses the transmigration of souls, their karmic experiences, and their journey through different life forms. It also explores the concept of "Shaashvat" (eternal) and "Ashashvat" (non-eternal) in relation to the soul.

Thokda 62: Khechar (Aerial) Animals and Their Classification This Thokda classifies aerial beings ("Khechar") and other categories of animals. It discusses their origins, lifespans, classification, and their spiritual development. It also delves into the sensory perceptions and karmic implications for these beings.

Thokda 63: Lifespan and Its Bondage This Thokda revisits the concept of lifespan and its bondage ("Ayushya Bandha"). It elaborates on the factors that determine lifespan and the different ways in which it can be influenced by karma and actions.

Thokda 64: Desire and Enjoyment (Kama, Bhoga) This Thokda discusses the concepts of desire ("Kama") and enjoyment ("Bhoga"). It explores the nature of these experiences, their relationship to the senses, and how they affect beings in different realms of existence.

Thokda 65: Ascetic's Actions and Their Karmic Consequences This Thokda examines the actions of ascetics and their karmic consequences. It discusses how the observance of vows, the practice of austerities, and the conduct of ascetics influence their spiritual progress and their karmic accumulation.

Thokda 66: Clairvoyant Ascetics and Their Perceptions This Thokda focuses on ascetics who possess clairvoyance ("Avadhijnana"). It discusses the extent of their perceptual abilities, their limitations, and how their spiritual development influences their understanding of reality.

Thokda 67: Transformations and Their Capabilities This Thokda delves into the capabilities of "Vikriya" (transformation) and its various forms. It discusses how beings with powers of transformation can alter their forms and their impact on their existence.

Thokda 68: Other Religious Sects and Their Beliefs This Thokda briefly touches upon the beliefs of other religious sects ("Anyatirthis") and presents them in contrast to Jain teachings. It clarifies certain philosophical points and debates, often highlighting the differences in perspective.

In essence, the document is a detailed textual exploration of key concepts within the Bhagavati Sutra, offering insights into Jain cosmology, ethics, and philosophy through a question-and-answer format.