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 Rajavārtika is in the form of prose, like the Nyāyavārtika of Udyotakara. Slokavārtika, on the other hand, is in metrical form like the vārtikas of Dharmakirti, Kumārila and Sureśvara.
Vidyānanda was a South Indian. He was born in the age when philosophical controversies were ripe. He had to meet the attacks of all the non-Jaina systems, particularly the Nyaya Mimāṁsā and Buddhism. In Slokavārtika he critisises the vārtikas of Dharmakirti, Kumārila and Udyotakara. It is probable that the presence of these three vārtikas might have urged him on to write a vārtika on Jaina philosophy. Vidyānanda does not indulge in unnecessary wrangling of words. His arguments are sound and logical. They make an appeal to the intellect as well as the heart.
Nearly half of the Slokavārtika is devoted to the theory of knowledge. It throws light on many obscure points and stands as a valuable contribution to the subject. Vidyānanda discusses the topics of Jñana as well as pramāņa. Thus, it is indispensible to the study of both the schools. His minute observation, supreme genious, profound knowledge and accuracy of expression have raised the Jaina philosophy to a high position. The Slokavārtika covers all the topics mentioned in the Rājavārtika and adds many more, meeting the need of the time.
(2) Astasaharsrī: Vidyānanda wrote Astasahasri after the Slokavārtika. It is a commentary on the Astašati of Akalanka and occupies very high place in the Jaina philosophical literature. It is due to this excellent exposition that we are able to understand the idea of Akalanka who is not easily accessible. Vidyānanda brings into light many new points also. It is claimed that "One should study Astasahasrs only. There is no need of going through many scriptures. This single composition is sufficient to show the heart of all the systems." We cannot say that the above claim is an exaggeration. Vidyānanda has discussed nearly all the new develop