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The Tattvarthasutra, the Vyavahara, the Nishitha, and the Rishibhashita, among other scriptures, fall under the categories of ang and abhyāṅga.
Q. – The distinctions mentioned here pertain to the scriptures that systematically compile knowledge; so are the scriptures limited to these?
A. – No, there are many scriptures that have existed, exist, will come into being, and will continue to emerge. All of them fall within the realm of scriptural knowledge. Here, only those are enumerated that primarily support Jain governance. However, many other scriptures have been created and are being created, and all of these should be included in the ang and abhyāṅga. The scriptures that are forming and have formed should be composed with pure intellect and appropriate understanding.
Q. – Do the various scientific texts and works like poetry and dramas created today also qualify as scripture?
A. – Certainly, they are considered scripture.
Q. – Therefore, since they are scripture, can they also be useful for salvation?
A. – Whether they are useful for liberation or not is not an inherent quality of any scripture; rather, it depends on the capability of the practitioner. A competent and earnest practitioner can make even the secular scriptures useful for liberation.
1. Everything that is said by the enlightened beings is termed Rishibhashita, such as the eighth Kapili chapter of the Uttaradhyayana, etc.