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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Epistemology of Jainas Vai esika, Sānkhya and Mimāmsā etc. he exploded their theo ries of pramāņa also. Praśastapāda, Udyotakara, Kumārila; Pujyapada, Siddhasena, Samantabhadra, Mallavādin, SimhaGaņin, Iśvarasena etc. repulsed his attacks and pleaded for their own theories. Then came Dharmakirti with his unique glamour. He not only gave a befitting reply to other systems but also made some improvement in the contentions of Dinnāga. Thus, the Buddbist logic got a solid foundation. After that on one side he was supported by Arcata, Dharmottara, śāntiraksita, Prajñākara, etc.; who defended him and tried to consolidate the Buddhist position. On the other hand he was attacked by Prabhākara , Umbeka, Vyoma-śiva, Jayanta, Sumati, Pātrasvāmin and Mandana Miśra etc. This philosophical warfare continued for four centuries and enriched our philosophical literature with precious jewels. AKALANKA (778 A. D.):
Akalarika was the first scholar to systematize the Jaina theory of knowledge logically. He is regarded as the father of Jaina logic. Akalarka-Nyāya has become a by-word amongst the later Jajna scholars. He wrote two commentaries and four independent works. (a) Commentaries :
(1) Rājavārtika on Tattvartha
(2) Astašati on Āptammāṁsā (b) Independent works :
(1) Nyāya viniscaya (2) Siddhi viniścaya (3) Laghiyastraya
(4) Pramāna samgraha (1) Tattvārtha Rājavārtika : It is a monumental commentary on the Tattvārtha. We have referred to it in the Agama school also. It covers all the topics of Jaina Epistemology, Ontology, ethics, cosmology and geography. It follows Sarvārthasiddhi not only in purport but generally uses its sentences as Vārtikas