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The Available Literature On Karma Theory -
Though all primary (Arga) and subsidiary (Angabāhya) canonical works mention karma and its impact on the soul, none of them can be said to be wholly devoted to the theory of karma alone. The professors and preceptors of Karmavāda are unanimous in holding the view that the theory of karma originated from the eighth pre-canon (Purva) called Karmapravāda Pūrva? As all the fourteen pre-canons have been lost, to the present generation of Jainas, due to the ravages of time; the original work is presently not available.
Presently the available works on Karma Theory are as follows: - A. Works by Śvetāmbara masters –
a. Karma Prakrti, b. Pañca Sangraha, c. Karma Granth, d. Karmastava, e. Karma Svāmitva, f. Şaďśītikā, g. Šataka, and h. Saptatikā.
The last six works from this list have been composed by Ācārya Devendrasūri, a Švetāmbara Jaina master of the 14th century AD. They are, currently, more popularly known as first to sixth Karma Grantha and form the basis of the study of Karma Theory in the white clad sect of the Jainas. B. Works by Digambara masters -
a. Mahākarma-prakrti Prābhrta, and b. Kasāya Prābhsta.
Both these works are believed to be quoted from the precanon referred to above.
184 : JAINISM: THE CREED FOR ALL TIMES
