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## Introduction
The path to liberation (moksha) is considered to be the ultimate goal. However, just as a disease cannot be cured by mere knowledge, observation, or application of medicine, liberation cannot be attained by mere faith, knowledge, or conduct alone. When a devotee (bhavya) asked how liberation could be attained, the Acharya (teacher) responded with the sutra (aphorism): "Samyagdarshanashanacharitrani mokshamarghah" (Right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct are the path to liberation). This sutra became the foundation for the Tattvarth Sutra.
## The Origin of the Tattvarth Sutra
The same introductory verse is found in both the Sarvarthasiddhi and the Tattvarthavartika. Shruta Sagar Suri adopted this verse from the Sarvarthasiddhi. The only difference is that the devotee who approached the Acharya is referred to as "Kachid Bhavya" in the Sarvarthasiddhi, while Shruta Sagar Suri mentions his name. It is unclear from what sources he obtained this name.
These references from renowned commentaries on the Tattvarth Sutra support the popular belief that the Tattvarth Sutra was composed at the request of a devotee. However, it is unknown whether the devotee first composed the sutra "Darshanajnanacharitrani" and later, at the devotee's request, the sutrakar (author of the sutra) revised it into the Tattvarth Sutra. Therefore, while these references do not fully support the entire story, they do provide some basis for believing it to be partially true.
## Acharya Pujyapada
Acharya Pujyapada is a prominent figure in the great Indian tradition of Tattvadrashta (those who have realized the truth) scholars. He was blessed with both brilliance and scholarship. In the Jain tradition, after Acharya Samantabhadra and Acharya Siddhasena, the author of Sanmati, if anyone can be placed on a high pedestal in the literary world, it is Acharya Pujyapada. The influence of his literary legacy is evident in both the Digambara and Svetambara traditions. This is why many later writers and historians have acknowledged his importance, scholarship, and versatility, offering him their reverence.
Acharya Jinesena, the author of the Adi Purana, considers him a Tirthankara (liberated being) among poets and praises him, saying:
"Kavinaam Tirthakadevah Kintaram Tatra Varnate |
Vidushan Vaangmaladhvansi Ti Yasy Vachomaya ||1,52||"
Who can praise Devnandi Acharya, who was like a Tirthankara among poets and whose words, like a holy pilgrimage, cleanse the impurities of the words of scholars?
We will discuss later how he illuminated the path to liberation through his unparalleled works. He also contributed to the field of linguistics. It is even said that he explored the subject of anatomy, a field of practical use to society. This is why Acharya Shubhachandra, the author of Gyanarnava, acknowledges his qualities, saying:
"Apakuर्वन्ति यहाचः कायवाञ्चित्तसम्भवम् ।।
Kalamaninaam So'yam Devanandi Mamasyate ||1,15||"
I bow to Devnandi Acharya, whose teachings are capable of removing all impurities from the body, speech, and mind of beings.
Acharya Gunanandi, relying on his grammatical sutras, composed the Jainendra Prakriya. He begins his work with a salutation:
"Mamah Bhi Pujyapadaaya Lakshanam Yapakam |
Yadevaatra Tabanyatra Pamnaanasti Na Tattvchit ||"
My salutations to Pujyapada, whose teachings are comprehensive. Whatever is found here is also found elsewhere, and whatever is not found here is not true.