Studies in Jain Literature

SR No.: 001868
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

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514 STUDIES IN JAIN LITERATURE Anekantajayapataka and the sastravarttasamuccaya are perhaps the most important of his works. Amrtacandra wrote some independent works on philosophy and commentaries on Kundakunda's works (beginning of the 10th century). In 933 A. D. Devasena wrote two works Darsanasara (A manual of the Digambara faith) and Sravakacara (A manual of rules of life for the householder). These works are written in Prakrit verses. Nemicandra, a very learned Digambara writer, wrote his Dravyasamgraha in Prakrit verses. It deals with jiva, ajiva, moksa, meditation, etc. Gommatasara is a voluminous work giving an exposition of the Essence of Jainism for Gommataraya (better known as Camundaraya, the famous minister and general of the Ganga, princes, 10th century A. D.). The great Hemacandra (12th century A. D.) wrote his Pramanamimamsa4 an excellent text on logic and Dialectics. Vadidevasuri's Syadvadaratnakara is also a noteworthy contribution to Jain Logic and Philosophy. Another valuable contribution to this subject is Mallisena's Syadvadamanjari written in chaste Sanskrit. It frequently levels criticism at other philosophical systems. Finally we must make a mention of Yasovijaya (1624-1688 A. D.), a prominent Jain teacher, reformer and author. The credit of presenting Jain doctrines (Anekantavada and others) in navya-nyaya style goes to this great and gifted scholar. To sum up, "There is in fact, hardly any branch of Sanskrit literature which is not enriched by the Jains. They have composed grammars, lexicons, works on poetics, dramaturgy, metrics, mathematics and poems and plays, stories and stotras, campus, caritas, puranas and mahapuranas. In the sphere of Nyaya literature they have produced eminent Nyaya works either as commentaries or independent treatises giving exposition of Jain doctrines in the context of contemporary controversies both in the Southern and Western India. They specially preserved and developed the Prakrit (and Apabhramsa) languages and literature. They also cultivated and promoted the development of Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada, and also enriched Gujarati, Hindi and Marvari. The achievements of the Jains in the secular sastras are indeed glorious especially when we remember that they form a small minority in the whole of India. They occupy, all would agree, an important position in the history of Sanskrit and Prakrit literature and Indian thought". THE DOCTRINES OF JAINISM (i) The World Uncreated The Jain God is only the highest, the noblest, and the fullest manifestation