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- 18 - 2. While pointing out the differences or opposition related to a certain subject, there are no ancient or modern Shvetambara Acharyas who have declared the interpretations invalid like the Digambara Acharyas.
3. In the Prashamariti text, which there is no doubt in considering as the work of Umaswati, there is a systematic depiction of the monk’s garments and bowls, which is accepted unquestioningly by the Shvetambara tradition.
4. The mention of Umaswati's lineage and descriptions of other Acharyas from that lineage can be found in the genealogies of Shvetambara Patta-valis, Pannavana, and Nandi.
These arguments establish Umaswati as a part of the Shvetambara tradition, and all Shvetambara Acharyas have considered him as belonging to their tradition from the beginning. After further study and contemplation, I have also firmly concluded that Umaswati belonged to the Shvetambara tradition and not to the Digambara tradition. For the clarity of this viewpoint, it is necessary to shed light on some historical questions related to the distinctions between Digambara and Shvetambara. The first question is about the ancient roots of the current distinctions or conflicts between Digambara and Shvetambara traditions regarding scripture and conduct, and what that primarily pertained to. The second question is whether the scriptures were equally accepted by both sects, and if so, how long did that shared recognition last, when did differences begin to enter, and as a result of those differences, when did mutually complete invalid distinctions arise for one another? The third and final question is regarding which tradition Umaswati himself followed in terms of conduct and whether the scripture he used as the basis for composing the Tattvartha was fully recognized by both sects or only fully recognized by one sect while being completely invalidated by the other?
1. It is unmistakably clear from the historical material available at this time that Lord Mahavira...