A History of Indian Literature v2.c20.s2.113

v2.c20.s2.113

The first Upāṅga is the Uvavāiya.¹ The first part describes the departure of Mahāvīra for the Puṇṇabhadda shrine, and the pilgrimage of King Kuṇiya Bhimbhasāraputta to the same place, in order to hear Mahāvīra’s sermon.² The sermon deals with the retribution of good and evil deeds in the four forms of existence (as denizens of hell, animals, human beings and gods), and also with the duties of monks and laymen. In the second part, which has no connection whatsoever with the first, Goyama Indabhūti journeys to the Master, in order to question him regarding the various re-births. It is then taught in the form of questions and answers, how every being which has done evil, has to bear the consequences, and the beings which have not sinned so grievously, reappear in a world of the gods under certain circumstances. The various circumstances which lead to the "attainment of an existence" (*uvavāya*) in one of the twelve worlds of the gods, are enumerated in 16 categories. The last site lies beyond the borders of the universe, and is destined for those who have attained to complete knowledge. These mansions of the blessed are described in great detail: