Bhagwati Sutra Part 10 - Book Summary

The provided text is the tenth part of the Bhagwati Sutra, authored by Ghasilal Maharaj and published by A B Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti. This volume, the tenth part of the Bhagwati Sutra, is a comprehensive Jain text that delves into various aspects of Jain philosophy and cosmology.

Key Themes and Content:

The Bhagwati Sutra is a foundational text in Jainism, containing extensive dialogues between Lord Mahavira and his chief disciple, Lord Gautama. This particular volume (Part 10) covers the twelfth, thirteenth, and tenth centuries of the Jain calendar.

Twelfth Century:

Fourth Ubhedasha (Chapter): This section primarily focuses on the concept of Pudgala Parivarta (transformation of matter/substance). It meticulously explains how atoms (paramanu) combine to form larger substances (skandhas) based on the number of atoms involved. It details the various ways these combinations can be formed and the resulting structures. The text also discusses the Pudgala Parivarta of hellish beings (Nairayikas) and beings in other realms like Asura Kumara, highlighting the different types of transformations they undergo.
Fifth Ubhedasha: This chapter shifts its focus to karma-pudgalas (matter particles related to karma) and the principles of non-violence (Virama) related to practices like Pranati-pata (taking life). It elaborates on the characteristics and the nuances of abstaining from violence in various forms. It also touches upon the nature of soul (Jiva) and its inclinations.
Sixth Ubhedasha: This section begins by refuting the views of non-Jain sects regarding eclipses and the nature of the celestial body Rahu. It then proceeds to describe the nature of Rahu, its names, its celestial abode (Vimana), its movements, and the reasons behind its perceived action of obscuring the moon and sun. It also explains the meaning of the epithets 'Sashri' for the moon and 'Aditya' for the sun. Finally, it describes the celestial consorts and the pleasures experienced by the moon and sun deities.

Thirteenth Century:

First Ubhedasha: This chapter focuses on the cosmological structure of the universe (Loka), detailing its vastness and extent. It discusses the origin and distribution of various types of souls (Jivas) within the different realms. It elaborates on the concept of utpatti (origin) and how souls manifest in different forms and locations, including the influence of parents and other beings. It also touches upon the cyclical nature of existence and the relationships souls form, such as enmity and servitude.
Second Ubhedasha: This section continues the discussion on the origin of souls, discussing the existence and characteristics of various beings. It explains the process of origin for souls in different realms, including those related to the earth element (Prithivi Kayika), water element (Ap Kayika), fire element (Tejas Kayika), air element (Vayu Kayika), and plant life (Vanaspati Kayika). It also details the origins of beings in the animal realm (Dvi-indriya, Tri-indriya, Chatu-indriya, Panch-indriya), humans, and celestial beings (Vanavyantara, Jyotishika, Vaimanika, Saudharma Kalpa, etc.).
Third Ubhedasha: This chapter focuses on the characteristics of different types of celestial beings (Devas). It elaborates on the concepts of Bhavyadravya Devas (those who will attain liberation), Naradevas (human-like celestial beings), Dharmadevas (celestial beings associated with Dharma), Devadhidevas (supreme celestial beings), and Bhavadevas (those whose existence is based on their mental state). It delves into their origins, their states of existence (sthiti), their powers of transformation (vikurvana shakti), and the processes of their departure from one existence and rebirth into another. It also details their relative quantities (alpbahutva).
Fourth Ubhedasha: This chapter continues the discussion on Bhavya Devas and their transformations (vikurvana). It explains how these beings possess the ability to transform into various forms, from the simplest one-sensed beings to complex five-sensed beings. It further delves into the relative quantities of these transformations and the lifespan associated with different celestial realms.
Fifth Ubhedasha: This section discusses the nature and qualities of the soul (Atma). It explains how the soul can be understood in various ways, such as Dravyatman (soul as substance), Kashayatman (soul identified with passions), Yogatman (soul identified with activities), Upayogatman (soul identified with consciousness), Jnana-tman (soul as knowledge), Darshana-tman (soul as perception), Charitra-tman (soul as conduct), and Virya-tman (soul as energy). It clarifies the relationships and distinctions between these aspects, such as how knowledge and perception are interconnected, and how the presence or absence of passions affects the soul's state. It also explores the quantities of these various aspects.
Sixth Ubhedasha: This chapter shifts to discussing the celestial body Rahu and its perceived effects, particularly in relation to eclipses. It refutes the common misconception that Rahu "eats" the moon or sun, explaining that it is an obscuring effect. It describes Rahu's form, celestial abode, and movements. It also provides nine names for Rahu and details the colors of its celestial vehicles. The chapter clarifies that Rahu's interaction with the moon and sun is an interplay of their positions and appearances, not a literal consumption.
Seventh Ubhedasha: This chapter returns to cosmological descriptions, focusing on the vastness of the universe (Loka). It reiterates that every part of the universe is eternally inhabited by souls, having been born and died countless times. It then discusses the concept of Jiva Utpatti (soul's origin) in detail, explaining how souls originate in different realms, including hellish realms (Nirayavasa), and how these origins are influenced by their past actions (karma) and their propensity for liberation (bhavyatva). It also touches upon the relationships souls form across lifetimes, such as parent-child and enemy relationships.
Eighth Ubhedasha: This chapter continues the discussion on soul's origin and the nature of existence. It explores how beings, including celestial beings, can transform and originate in different forms of existence, such as in the bodies of trees or plants. It also discusses the concept of Dvi-sharira (two-bodied beings) and the cycle of birth and death across various forms of existence, emphasizing that every soul is born and dies innumerable times in every part of the universe.
Ninth Ubhedasha: This section focuses on the classification and characteristics of celestial beings (Devas). It categorizes them into Bhavyadravya Devas, Naradevas, Dharmadevas, Devadhidevas, and Bhavadevas. It explains the origins and defining attributes of each category. For instance, it clarifies that Naradevas are human beings who achieve supreme power and status, while Bhavadevas are those whose existence is closely tied to their mental states. It also discusses their lifespans and the realms they inhabit.
Tenth Ubhedasha: This chapter delves into the nature of the soul (Atma) itself. It explains that the soul is intrinsically pure consciousness (Jnana) but can appear as ignorance (Ajna) due to the influence of karma. It describes the soul's attributes like Dravyatman (substance of soul), Kashayatman (soul influenced by passions), Yogatman (soul identified with activity), Upayogatman (soul identified with consciousness), Jnana-tman (soul as knowledge), Darshana-tman (soul as perception), Charitra-tman (soul as conduct), and Virya-tman (soul as energy). It meticulously explains the interrelationships and mutual influences of these aspects, often using the concept of Syadvada (manifold aspects of reality) to illustrate that the soul is simultaneously real and unreal, existent and non-existent, from different perspectives.

Overall Significance:

Part 10 of the Bhagwati Sutra, as presented in this summary, is a deep dive into Jain cosmology, metaphysics, and the nature of existence. It demonstrates the intricate philosophical framework of Jainism, emphasizing the role of karma, the soul's journey through various lifetimes, and the ultimate goal of liberation. The text's detailed explanations of atom combinations, celestial realms, and the soul's multifaceted nature highlight the comprehensive and systematic approach of Jain teachings. The inclusion of commentary ("Prameyachandrika") by Ghasilal Maharaj further enriches the understanding of these complex concepts.