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JAIN LITERATURE
The followers of Lord Mahāvīra, after his Nirvāṇa, tried to formulate in words principles laid down by him with żeal and sagacity, with the result that there arose enormous literature, although late, known as Āgama literature. Later writers wrote several commentaries on Āgamas which are important contribution to the history of Indian thought. This exegetical literature, though referred to in several places, is yet not known in its original form, with the inevitable consequence that there arose huge number of critical works, differing in their exposition, refutation of their opponents' views.
Revered Shri Amar Muniji brought out the edition of Niśitha Curņikā' for the first time in 1960. This work occupies a very significant place in the history of Indian literature, particularly in Jain literature, as an authoritative work on Jain monastic disciplinary rules, specially for the Svetămbara sect. The work is noteworthy for elucidation, elaboration of the thoughts contained in the Acāsānga sūtra. Niśitha Cūrņi contains the analysis of thoughts based on the acārānga without which the study of FATTEET and gag is almost an impossible task. Some of the doctrines enunciated by Ācārya Jindas Mahattar (676) displays remarkable insight into human nature, its strengths and weaknesses and accordingly inculcated rules of conduct which may not be beyond controversy. The present work lays dowu rules for self-realisation in life of ascetics as well as householders.
Niśīthacūrņi, in its present form, is an independent work embodying Niśitha Sūtra, although originally it formed a part of Acārārga in the form of the last Cūla (supplementary), Niśītha Cūrņi is a commentary on Nisītha Sūtra, Jindas Mahattar wrote eight Cūrnis on Avaśyaka, Daśavaikälika, Nandi, Anuyogadvāra, Uttarādhyayana, Ācārānga, Sūtrakstānga and Niśītha. Niśītha Sūtras with Bhāşya and Cūrņi by the learned Mahattar occupies a
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