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(ii)
Subjects of Lok-alok (universe-void), animate-inanimate, philosophical topics of Jains and other doctrines are dealt with in varying degrees of depths in different Agams -
a.
In Sutrakritang, information is in the form of small couplets only covering only the salient features. In Vyakhyapragyapti, these subjects are explained in detail. The frequently asked questions are answered descriptively. In Sthanang, the subjects are critically examined and all theories contain their respective justifications. In Samvayang, there are either definitions or brief discussion on the above mentioned subjects.
d.
Thus we find that fundamentals have been discussed in all the scriptures, though at some places there is only an incidental reference, at another place there is a brief discussion and at yet another place, a detailed treatment is given. Therefore, the knowledge of a subject becomes complete only when they are all taken together. So, to point out inconsistencies between one scripture and another is not a desirable exercise. Mahapragya had already made it clear that to evaluate scriptures from a historical periodic perspective would not be meaningful since they have been composed in a schematised manner. An example below brings home this view point.
3. Concept of Lok-Alok,
According to Pundit Dalsukh Malvania, Panchastikaya and Shaddravya were conceived of after nav tattva (nine categories in Jainism) or saat tattva. Commenting in his book Jain Darshan ka Adikaal (The Initial Period of Jain Philosophy), he observes that by the time of Si trakritang no discussion of Panchastikaya and Shaddravya had found place in the contemplation of tattva (real entities). In his view, only classification into living (jiva) and non-living (Ajiva) was mainly prevalent. Critically examining the above observation, Mahapragya offered the explanation that Lord Mahavira had envisaged the concept of Lok(universe) and Alok(void) prior to that of jiva-ajiva. Hence it is not possible that Panchastikaya and Shaddravya were conceived after nav tattva or saat tattva. The very list in Sutrakritang, which for Malvaniyaji is the basis of seven substances or nine (real) entities, mentions ‘universe and void' prior to the ‘living and nonliving'. Therefore, we will have to accept the fact that Lord Mahavira conceptualised 'Lok-Alok’ prior to the categorisation of “living and non-living'.
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