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 61

Prākṛta Canons : 39
However, it may be noted that Satkhanḍāgama has followed in some way the Anuyogadvāra Sūtra.
Anuyogadvāra and Nandi-sūtra have classified the Śruta on the basis of generalised definition of the term. They unfold the manifold character of Śruta as given in the Table 1. The older Anuyogadvāra uses the four-fold positing method where its last form -the actual Śruta is pertinent to us here. This could be canonical or quasi-canonical. It has worldly and superworldly types. The basic twelve are designated as actual quasi-canonical superworldly type in contrast to the worldly one including different arts, sciences and philosophies. Pro-canons are not mentioned here. The Nandi-sūtra mentions 14 while Devendrasūri goes upto 20 types. The canons and pro-canons are included in right Śruta while others are called wrong or perverse Śruta. The Anuyogadvāra calls them superworldly and worldly respectively. It should be taken that the right category of Śruta of Anuyogadvāra includes the 13-14th category of Nandi. This classification is easier and it avoids positing basis of Anuyogadvāra. However, on comparing, it is seen that the following category of couples :
(1-2) Right and wrong Śruta
(3-4) Anga and no-Anga or primary and secondary Śruta
fall under the actual positing while other couples fall under substantial positing. Three points may be noted here :
(i) While Anuyogadvāra refers to 12- angas as of quasi-canonical superworldly category, Nandi mentions them under right category which also includes secondary Śruta not mentioned in Anuyogadvāra. This suggests that the secondary canon might not have gained recognition by the period of Anuyogadvāra. The terms worldly and super-worldly should be taken in terms of objectives of the writings. This is reasonable to assume primary texts as extra-ordinary as they direct us towards moral and spiritual upliftment in comparison to the troublesome and temporary worldly prosperity. Thus, the right