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________________ PANCASUTRA : A STUDY 137 liberated souls--siddhas dwell at the top of the universe (lokakasa). Infinite liberated souls dwell in as much place as occupied by one siddha (liberated soul). The liberated soul, as soon as freed from the eightfold karmas rises upward to the top of the universe just as a gourd-fruit, with its eight layers of clay completely loosened rises to the surface from the river-bed. This doctrine of the Jinas is free of all defects and is appreciated by persons who do not attract karmas afresh and who follow the path of right conduct. Never should it be imparted to undeserving or unqualified persons. This instruction is issued with a view to favouring the undeserving or the unqualified in accordance with the illustration of Amakumbhodakanyasa (pouring water in an unbaked earthen jar). Just as water when poured in an unbaked jar destroys that jar even so the imparting of secret doctrine ruins the undeserving or unqualified. Not imparting it to them is, indeed, karuna (compassion) shown to them. -The Fruit of Asceticism (iii) The meaning of the word sutra A sutra is defined as स्वल्पाक्षरमसंदिग्धं सारवद्विश्वतोमुखम् / अस्तोभमनवद्यं च सूत्रं सूत्रविदो विदुः // "A statement in few words, free from doubt, conveying an inportant sense, having a universal application, free from padding and free from any error (grammatical or logical)". It is a short, concise aphorism used as an aid to memory. It contains only the most essential words-words which are absolutely necessary for conveying the intended sense. In course of time the word sutra was applied to a work containing such short, pithy aphorisms--a work treating of a particular subject in its entirety by means of such aphoristic mnemonic rules. In this sense the word is applied to scientific works as the Astadhyayi of Panini and the works dealing with the various philosophical systems. But the word sutrais also used in a rather loose and inexact sense. viz., that of "a short sentence" without any concern for word economy. It is in this sense that the word sutra is used in connection with the Pratisakhyas, Srauta-sutras (sutra works based on the sruti or the Vedas). Grhyasutras (sutra works containing directions for domestic rites and ceremonies) and Dharmasutras (sutra works dealing with sacred and secular law). In connection with the sacred texts of the Jains and the Bauddhas, however, the word sutra is used in the sense of simply a canonical work. "These Stud.-18 Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org
| SR No. | 001868 |
| Book Title | Studies in Jain Literature |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | V M Kulkarni |
| Publisher | Shardaben Chimanbhai Educational Research Centre |
| Publication Year | 2001 |
| Total Pages | 114 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Book_English, Literature, & Story |
| File Size | 14 MB |