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Introduction
Panchasutra occupies a position of high esteem in the noncanonical scriptures of Jains. It is written in the Prakrita language and deals with the description of the gradual phases of soul's upward Journey. What is the starting point of soul's upward march? What are Soul's mental as well as physical acts and struggles that mark its particular state of development? What are its perceptions and ponderings underlying its behaviour and actions on the path? In this sutra, one can find answers to such queries, depicted in a very pragmatic and functional style and still coloured with idealistic fervor.
In other words, in this treatise, we can see a complete picture of aspirant's assent to his ultimate goal. This treatise inspires and gives guidence to a seeker coming from any religion or tradition.
Of course, the theoratical side is also present here, but it is limited to the later part and that also not as a debate, but as a part of clarification of the particular point.
Panchasutra contains five chapters having names suggestive of their contents:
1. A sutra on combating evil and sawing seeds of virtues. 2. A sutra on preparing oneself for an ascetic life. 3. A sutra on the proper course of getting initiated. 4. A sutra on proper practice of asceticism. 5. A sutra on the results of asceticism.
Traditionally Panchsutra is believed to be a work of some unknown ancient Jain Acharya, but recently found proofs indicate that it might be a work of Shri Haribhadra Suri,
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