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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History and Sources
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Jaina Šāstras to other rival systems of philosophy; to discuss other systems arising out of Anekāntavāda ; to interpret the different views and doctrines occuring upto date in other systems from Anekānta point of view; and to base the new currents of thoughts on the broad basis of the established doctrine of Anekā nta; and thus popularise them amongst the learned pandits.
The original work of Sanmati, from its very birth came to have a wonderful influence on Jaina literature. From 7th century right upto the present time it has been described by Svetāmbaras as well as Digambaras as a supreme work of genious. Some have copiously drawn upon the verses of Sanmati in support of their own thoughts. Many have written commentaries thereupon while many others have composed entirely new works basing their own views on Sanmati. Some have written elaborate and profound works to refute these views of Sanmati with which they did not agree; others have enhanced the reputation of Sanmati harmoniously synthesising its views. In short, it can be said that the place of honour given to the system of logic in Jaina philosophy is to a great extent due to Sanmati. It is really the foremost composition expressing clearly the logic of Mabāvīra as the name suggests. The language of the text is Prāksta. It consists of 167 verses as found in the printed copies of mere text, or 166 as can be confirmed on the basis of commentaries. Like Pravacanasāra of Kundakunda it is divided into three chapters, named as Kāndas. Pandit Sukhlal has assigned these kāņdas the names of Naya-Mimāṁsā, jñāna Mimāṁsā and Jñeya Mimāṁsā in keeping with the contents of the chapters. Dvātrimśikās :
The number of Dvātrimśikās, available at present, is twenty one. With Nyāyāvatāra the number becomes twenty-two. From view point of the subject matter the available Dvä. can be classified under three heads. First to fifth, the eleventh and the twenty first are eulogies; the 6th discusses the problem of Apta