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73
MAHĀNISIHA STUDIES AND EDITION IN GERMANY
EPILOGUE
To conclude this Report we may repeat briefly the main results of the Mahanisiha studies in Germany :
(1)
The MNA is not canonical but apocryphal and thus not identical with its namesake mentioned in the Nandisutra. It is later than the Niryuktis, Bhāşyas and "Vrddha-vivarana" quoted or referred to in it. It is surely earlier than the Gacchācāra and most probably earlier than the Upadeśamālā of Dharmadāsa-gani (ca. 900 AD) There are a few remarks in it which may be even as late as 13th cent AD. Its language and metrics present many unusual and some incorrect features which are surely due to the "work" of one still unknown person. Neither Jinabhadra-gani nor acārya Haribhadra can be regarded as the editor of "original Mss. in deplorable condition." Its position in the sacred literature of the (svetambara) Jainas has been since its composition not uncontested.
(7)
My Report though based on the critical work of A. Weber, W Schubring, F. R. Hamm and J. Deleu is, in its present from, my writing and I am responsible for all its defects of omission and commission and all mistakes in grammar and style as neither English nor German is my mother-tongue. For saving me from many more mistakes I am sincerely obliged to some friends who want to remain unnamed.
krtam karantyam.
Candrabhāl Tripathi
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