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The ultimate goal is to attain liberation through nourishment. The objective of the momentariness of Buddhist philosophy or the elucidation of metaphysical and spiritual subjects included in the four noble truths is nothing but liberation. The scriptures of Jain philosophy have also been written following this path. The author Umaswati, keeping liberation as the ultimate goal, has described all the established objects necessary for its attainment in his Tattvartha.
(a) The writing style: Previously, the writing style of Jain Agamas has traditionally been in the form of long, descriptive verses in Prakrit, similar to the Buddhist Pali texts. On the other hand, the writing style of brief aphorisms in Sanskrit by Brahmin scholars gradually became very esteemed. This Sanskrit aphoristic style attracted Umaswati and inspired him to write in that form. As far as we think, Umaswati is the first creator of brief aphorisms in the Jain tradition in Sanskrit. After him, this aphoristic style became established in Jain tradition, leading both Svetambara and Digambara scholars to compose Sanskrit texts on various subjects like grammar, rhetoric, conduct, ethics, justice, etc., in this style.
Umaswati's Tattvartha Sutra, like Kanada's Vaisheshika Sutras, consists of ten sections.
1. It appears that Umaswati was inspired to compose the Tattvartha from the 28th study of 'Uttaradhyayan.' This study is named 'Mokshamarga' (Path to Liberation). In this study, the paths to liberation are indicated, and Jain philosophy is articulated in a very concise manner. Umaswati has expanded upon this and incorporated the principles of the entire Agama within it. He also began his sutra text with a sutra that discusses the path to liberation. In the Digambara tradition, the Tattvartha Sutra is famously known as 'Mokshastra.' In the Buddhist tradition, there is a very important text called Vishuddhimagga. It was composed by Buddhaghosa in the Pali language around the fifth century. It encapsulates the essence of the entire Pali Canon. Its predecessor text, titled Vimuttimagga, is also found in the Buddhist tradition, of which a translation exists in Chinese. Both terms, Vishuddhimagga and Vimuttimagga, mean the path to liberation.