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**(a) The Era Before Samantabhadra**
According to Jain scriptures, there have been twenty-four Tirthankaras in succession over vast periods of time. The first Tirthankara was Rishabhadeva, the twenty-second was Arishtanemi, the twenty-third was Parshvanatha, and the twenty-fourth was Vardhamana Mahavira. These Tirthankaras are both historical and widely known. The teachings given by these Tirthankaras are called Dvadasanga. Just as the teachings of Buddha are called Tripitaka, the Dvadasanga scriptures are divided into two parts: 1. Anga Pravist and 2. Anga Bahya. These two divisions are due to the specific speaker. The scriptures spoken by the Tirthankaras and their chief and direct disciples are Anga Pravist. And those composed by later speakers based on these are Anga Bahya. Anga Pravist and Anga Bahya are further divided into twelve and fourteen categories respectively. One of the twelve categories of Anga Pravist is Drishtivad, which is the twelfth scripture. This twelfth Drishtivad scripture presents and reviews the singular views and beliefs of various schools of thought, harmonizing them with Syadvad Nyaya. Samantabhadra has expressed this fact in his works using phrases like "Syadvadino Nath Tavaiva Yuktam" and has called all Tirthankaras Syadvadis (proponents of Syadvad). Akalankadeva has also identified them as proponents of Syadvad and their teachings as marked by the infallible seal of Syadvad.
1.
....Eshan Drashtishatanam Trayanam Shashti Uttaranam Prarupanam Nigrahashcha Kriyate. - Vira Sena, Dhavala Pustak 1, p. 108.
Bandhashcha Mokshashcha Tayo Shcha Hetu, Baddhashcha Muktashcha Phalam Cha Mukte. Syadvadino Nath! Tavaiva Yuktam, Naikantardrishte Tvamato'si Shasta. || Swayambhustava, Shloka 14.
3. (a) Dharma Tirthankarebhyo'stu Syadvadhibhyo Namo Namaha. Rishabhad Mahaviraantebhyah Swatmopa labdhayai. ||
Devagama-Aapta Mimamsa
2.
Laghiyaka 0
-1.