________________
History and Sources
37
His Dharmasangrahant is a composition in Prākṣta, discussing the philosophical topics. His Astakas and Sodaśakas i. e. minor works of eight or sixteen stanzas, also are pregnant with philosophical thoughts. His speciality lies in the presentation of all the systems faithfully and finding out a way to compromise in them. VIDYĀNANDA (9th cent.) :
After Akalanka we come to Vidyānanda as a great logician, philosopher and original thinker. He was a profound scholar of all the system of Indian thought, particularly Mimāṁsā and Buddhism. His style is elegant and clear. Unlike Aka. lanka, he is not a miser in words. His clarity of expression, vast study and deep thinking assign him a very high place in Jaina philosophy.
Vidyānanda wrote three commentaries and six original works :(a) Commentaries : (1) Tattvārtha-śloka-vārtika with
Bhāşya. (2) Astasāhasri or Devāgamālankāra
(3) Yuktyanuśasanālankāra. (b) Independent works : (1) Āpta parikṣā.
(2) Pramāṇaparīkņā. (3) Patra parlkşā. (4) Satyaśāsana parlksā. (5) Sripura Pārsvanāthastotra.
(6) Vidyānanda Mahodaya. (1) Slokavārtika : It is a commentary on the Tattvārthasūtra; but supersedes many independent works for its originality, deepness and scholarly treatment. The Rājavārtika is generally confined to the Agamic views; but the slokavārtika indulges in philosophical discussion and criticises the non Jaina systems bitterly.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
