Jainism in Buddhist Literature

SR No.: 011023
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Bhagchandra Jain Bhaskar
Publisher: Alok Prakashan
Publication Year: 1972
Total Pages: 326
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 12 MB

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Nikaya is about 2308 which are divided into Vaggas containing as a rule 10 Suttas each. Aṭṭhangikasutta, Ananda vagga, Tikanipata, Tapodhamma-sutta, Vappa-sutta and Lokayatika-sutta provide some very useful date for the understan ding of several ancient Jaina concepts. The Khuddaka Nikaya is a collection of short pieces which are both diverse and. unsystematic both in content and arrangement. There is no unanimity about the pieces which belong to this Nikaya. According to the Ceylonese tradition it consists of (1) Khuddaka. patha, (a collection composed of only 9 short Suttas), (2) Dhammapada ( a collection of 423 memorial verses ), (3) Udana: ( a collection of solemn sayings of the Buddha), (4) Itivuttaka ("Thus-has-been-said" closely resembles the Udana) (5) Suttanipata, a very archaic in character consisting of four Vaggas. (6) Vimanavithu, (7) Petavatthu, (8) Theragatha, (9) Therigatha, (10) Jataka (11) Niddesa Mahaniddesa and Culla-Niddesa, (12) Patisambhida-magga, (13) A padāna, (14) Buddhavaṁ sa, and (15) the Cariyapitaka-Among these Udana (Sattajațilasutta), Suttanipāta (Dhammikasutta ), Therāpadāna, (Abhayattherapadāna), Jātaka (Mahabodhi) and the hammapada have preserved some valuble references to Jainism, though somewhat late.
The Abhidhamma Pitaka is a liter development. It is an attempt at scholastic analysis of the Buddhist psychology and philosophy. It does not deal with systematic philosophy. It is merely a supplement to the Dhamma. 16 Abhidhamma is highly honoured particularly in Burma. It comprises the following books (1) Dhammasangani (2) Vibhanga, (3) Kathāvatthu, (4) Puggalapaññatti, (5) Dhatukatha, (6 Yamaka and (7) the Patṭhāna, The Abhidhamma of the Sarvästivadins was entirely different. There is no reference to Jainism in this Piṭaka.
The Paritta or Mahaparitta is a collection of canonical texts which is used for magical purposes. Such Paritta ceremonies are still in vogue in Ceylon and are believed to avert evil and bring about well-being and happiness.