Jaina Epistemology

SR No.: 006738
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Indra Chandra Shastri
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith
Publication Year: 1990
Total Pages: 516
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 21 MB

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Indirect Knowledge
Vedic amgas. In the Buddhist literature this term is found in Amguttaranikaya. There, the literature is divided according to the form. Thus, the verses, small anecdotes, stories of Buddha's previous births, literature in the form of questions and answers, Buddha's sayings and such other forms, each constitutes a different amga; which are nine in number.
It is probable that the term amga has been taken from the Vedic literature by the Jainas, which does not fit so well in the case of their literature.
Modern classification
According to the modern classification the Agamas are divided into six groups:
(1) Amga, (2) Uvāṁga, (3) Cheyasutta, (4) Müla-sutta, (5) Painnaga and (6) Culiyasutta.
(1) Amga-Dṛṣṭivada on account of its extinction is not included in the modern agamic division. So, the number of Amgas comes to eleven.
(2) Uvamga-In conformity with the 12 amgas there are 12 uvängas:
1. Uvavaiya.
2. Rāyapaseni.
3. Jivabhigama.
4. Pannavanā.
5. Canda Pannatti 6, Surapannatti
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7. Jambuddivapannatti.
8. Nirayavaliyão.
9. Kappiya.
10. Pupphia.
11. Puppha cüliyā. 12. Vaṇhidasā.
Every amga is associated with one upamga in the order stated above. But, we do not find any conformity of the subject-matter. The term Upamga is found for the first time, in the Tattvartha only; otherwise, it was Anangapravista. It appears that the term Upanga means only the secondary stage in comparison with amgas.
(3) Cheya sutta-The term Cheda is peculiar to Jaina literature only. It also, is not found earlier than the Avasyakaniryukti. Literally 'cheda' means 'cut'. In cases of certain