Scientific Contents in Prakrta Canons

SR No.: 001670
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: N L Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith
Publication Year: 1996
Total Pages: 608
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Science, & Religion
File Size: 9 MB

Page 140

118 : Scientific Contents in Prākrta Canons
well-to-do women of the day in general rather than common women.
It could also be noted here that there is not much variation in number of arts for women being fixed at 64, there is a large number of variation of arts for men. The minimum mentioned is 48 in Nāyakumāracariu of Puşpadanta. Somadeva mentions 64 while the canons mention 72 and Samavāyānga can be treated as to go upto 86 as detailed earlier. This suggests constant changing pattern of not only the number but additions and modifications from time to time. Superworldly Learnings
The wordly learnings of different types made the men and women capable of earning their livelihood and work towards betterment of themselves and the society. However it must be noted that these learnings started at a later stage. What was the early education ? The answer would be the learnings about subjects consisting contents of superworldly nature.
Bhagavati mentions about many early ceremonies of children like tonsure, sacred threading and alphabetical beginning at proper ages. These represent inculcation of some religious spirit in children. However, proper superworldly education started at some higher age under saintly scholars. When pupils had an urge for it, they had to accept certain formalities like celibacy and other vows. They had much to practice than learn.
However, there were two types of texts to be learnt by them. The first types are called primary or Anga texts twelve in number -- one being lost to memory – hence now eleven. The other types are called secondary – without Anga texts. Their number varies between 14 to 72. They are extensions of primary texts and elaborate their contents in different ways. However, one can have their preliminary studies to make one's life ethically sound for better worldly living.
It must, however, be pointed out that these super