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- 82
If there is a change in the prevailing view, then the entire description of the second and fourth chapters is said to be by the omniscient, and there can be no change or revision in it. All current scientific explorations and thoughts being contrary to Jain scriptures are entirely false and to be rejected. Instead of maintaining such insistence, it should be taught from a historical perspective how various beliefs related to heaven and hell, geography and astronomy were prevalent in ancient Aryan philosophies, and what place Jain philosophy holds in these beliefs. This way, even regarding subjects deemed worthy for rejection due to their falsehood, much remains that is worth knowing. This prepares the field for inquiry for the clarification of truth and provides a distinct incentive to test what is true against the measure of intellect.
7. For higher-level students and researchers, I would like to provide some additional information. The first point is that the sources of the issues mentioned in the Tattvarthasutra and its commentaries should be examined historically in which Shvetambara and Digambara ancient texts they appear, and then they should be compared. The second point is to see what the Buddhist Pitaka and certain texts of the Mahayana branch say about these subjects, and how they describe this topic. Direct information should be obtained from the sutras and commentaries of all Vedic philosophies regarding this subject and comparisons should be made. I have done this, and my experience is that in the fields of metaphysics and ethics, the Indian soul is one. Thus, without such study, the complete significance of the Tattvartha cannot be realized.
8. If the Tattvarthasutra is to be taught solely through the present Hindi discourse, the teacher should first explain each sutra orally with all its subjects, and after the students have grasped it, have them read the discussions on that particular part themselves, ensuring through questions that the material is understood by the students.
9. After the study of a specific sutra or an entire chapter based on the comparative perspective outlined in the 'introduction', the teacher should make a clear comparison of the topics presented to competent students.