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- 60 - While there is no such distinction among the interpreters of the Tattvartha of the Digambara or Shvetambara sects, they do not differ on the fundamental subjects of true knowledge; the little difference that exists is merely in very trivial matters, and it is not of such a nature that there is no scope for reconciliation, or that it is as vast as the distance between the east and west. In fact, there is hardly any major disagreement between the Digambara and Shvetambara sects regarding the core principles of Jain philosophy, which is why the differences observed in their interpretations of Tattvartha are not considered very serious. There are many interpretations of the Tattvarthadhigamasutra, both ancient and modern, in various languages including Sanskrit and vernaculars; however, only four interpretations hold historical significance, have predominance in systematizing and developing Jain philosophy, and possess substantial philosophical importance. Among these, two belong to the Digambara sect, written by renowned Digambara scholars after the intensification of communal differences, and the other is the self-understanding of the sutra author, Umāsvāti. Therefore, it is appropriate to discuss these four interpretations here.
(1) Before considering the commentaries "Bhashya" and "Sarvārthasiddhi", it is necessary to reflect on their respective texts. Although they are fundamentally the same, they later became two due to sectarian distinctions, known as the Shvetambara and Digambara texts. The text recognized as Shvetambara can be said to align with Bhashya and is thus termed 'Bhashyamānya', while the text recognized as Digambara aligns with Sarvārthasiddhi, and is referred to as 'Sarvārthasiddhimānya'. All Shvetambara Acharyas follow the Bhashyamānya text, and all Digambara Acharyas follow the Sarvārthasiddhimānya text. Four matters regarding the texts are noted here: 1. Sutra number, 2. Meaning differences, 3. Differences concerning variant readings, and 4. Authenticity.
1. In this, Yashovijayagani is an exception. See - Introduction, pp. 38-40.