Nyayavatara and Nayakarnika

SR No.: 003992
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Siddhasena Divakar, Vinayvijay, A N Upadhye
Publisher: Jain Sahitya Vikas Mandal
Publication Year: 1971
Total Pages: 376
Language: Sanskrit, Hindi
Classification: Book_Devnagari
File Size: 24 MB

Page 78

Siddhasena and his Works
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authors are quite interesting topics. The commentator Abhayadeva has elaborated the Apauruşeya-vāda etc., which, along with other allied topics, are seen in subsequent works as well.
The Sanmati contains the exposition of Darsana and Jñāna and the author shows remarkable ability in expounding them. Siddhasena stands for their Abheda and this has to be distinguished from other views.
The third chapter of the Sanmati deals with the Jñeya. The Dravyārthika and Paryāyārthika view-points are discussed and whether a Guņārthika point of view is possible is taken into account. In the context of Hetu, and Ahetu-vāda, the five views of causation are discussed. These and other incidental topics which are hinted in the Sanmati are elaborated in the commentary.
DVĀTRIMŚIKĀS OF SIDDHASENA— There are available twentyone or twenty-two (if the Nyāyāvatāra is also included) Dvā.s of Siddhasena. In the format of their colophons, in the number of verses, in the mention of the name of the author etc., there are indications to the effect that these texts have suffered in transmission. One cannot be sure whether the present order is an original one.
The age, when these were composed, was characterised by the prominence of the Sanskrit language and discussion about the rival religio-philosophical controversies. Royal patronage was sought by profound scholars, and umpires were appointed on the assemblies where such controversies were held. These points are clear from the Dvā.s of Siddhasena.
Siddhasena mentions his name at the end of the 5th Dvā. Perhaps he was a Brahmin by birth, and thus he had inherited mastery over Sanskrit language and Vedic studies. He belonged to the Svetāmbara sect and accepted the Svetāmbara scriptures, especially the biography of Mahāvīra found therein.
Siddhasena had mastered the knowledge of the contemporary Vedic schools and Buddhist tenets; and he was the most critical student of Jaina philosophy. By nature he seems to be merry, witty and even satirical. Usually he is logical, but now and then he takes recourse to faith. He is possibly associated with some king and is conversant with the assemblies and the code of the controversies conducted therein. He is a creative genius, and has