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 141

Branches of Learning in Canons : 119
worldly texts have worldly contexts also to elaborate the nature of the world system and its ways. A good proportion of them describe these contexts through legends, history, stories and other general descriptions. They indicate men and women about their duties and efforts to make themselves capable of spiritual growth. Thus, superworldly learnings should not be taken as exclusive but it is inclusive of worldly learnings also. The worldly learnings form a part and parcel of these learnings. They are invariably connected. They are, however, taught by religious teachers instead of other two classes of teachers. Scope of Current Studies
The current studies will involve only those subjects which come under physical sciences and life sciences, home science and medicine. It must be apprehended that the early literature does not prove to have had watertight classification of subjects or branches as it is today. It is observed that every important text of canonical period involves contents covering many branches of learnings. Bhagavati, Samavāyānga and Sthānānga are said to be encyclopedial in nature. An attempt, therefore, will be made to sort out the early material subjectwise and arrange it with historical perspective for proper evaluation.
References (a) Bhagavati Sūtra-1, Jaina Bhavan, Calcutta, 1974, p.
1.
152.
(b) Ibid, Sadhumargi Jaina Sangha, Sailana, 1967, p.
1690. 2. (a) Sūyagaďo-1, Jaina Vishva Bharati, Ladnun, 1984,
p. 158. (b) Ed. Yuvācārya Mahāprajña, Thāṇānga, Jaina Vishva
Bharati, Ladnun, 1979, p. 232. 3. ibid, p. 355. 4. J. C. Sikdar, Studies in Bhagavati Sūtra, Jainology
Research Institute, Vaishali, 1964, pp. 327-387.