Kundakunda Acharya and Jain Philosophy

SR No.: 007643
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jayantilal Jain
Publisher: Research Foundation for Jainology Chennai
Publication Year: 1997
Total Pages: 66
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 3 MB

Page 39

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5. Bhavapahuda 6. Mokshapahuda 7. Lingapahuda 8. Sheelapahuda
1654 106 - 22 -
Thus, there are total 503 couplets in Ashtapahuda. Like most seekers of faith, the Acharya was also influenced considerably by the contemporary circumstances and this was reflected in his scriptures. At that time, so many other sects were also becoming prominent and were talking about Moksha-marg (the path of salvation) in some other way and thus were misleading the public. Actually they were leading the public to darkness. Under such circumstances the Acharya felt it absolutely essential to show the genuine path. Hence, he composed the Pahuda scriptures with the purpose to give a new life to the eternal values of knowledge, meditation and true meaning of various religious practices and conduct which were at that time were about to become extinct. The Acharya had true knowledge of the code of conduct and he himself was a follower of the same and was a true saint. He showed the real Moksha-marg and taught the uselessness of mere renunciation of worldly life without the right faith, knowledge and conduct
So, first of all the Acharya declared in Darshanapahuda that Darshan (right faith) is the base of Dharma and thus the people sans Darshana are not praiseworthy. Samyagdarshana was taught as the first step for Moksha. According to the Acharya, Samyagdarshana is the most usefut among the three Ratnas (Darshan, Jnana, Charitra) and it is the first step for Moksha. So, it should be acquired with utmost endeavours and right from the beginning itself. In this world, the Samyagdarshana is an invaluable gem worshipped by both the Suras and Asuras and it leads to Salvation (Moksha).
In Sutrapahuda, the Acharya preached that those who acquire the knowledge of Sutras will attain salvation and those without the knowledge of Sutras will go on taking births in this world.