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## A Brief Introduction to Jain Karma Literature
There are three main branches of Indian philosophy: (1) Vedic, (2) Buddhist, and (3) Jain. The concept of karma has been discussed in all three branches. While Vedic and Buddhist literature have limited discussions on karma, they lack dedicated texts solely focused on it. However, Jain literature, in contrast, boasts numerous texts dedicated to karma, presenting a systematic, evolutionary, and comprehensive analysis of the subject. Karma literature holds a significant place in Jain scriptures and is known as *Karma Prakriti* or *Karma Anuyoga*.
Apart from independent texts on karma, various other texts written by *Aacharyas* (Jain teachers) also contain discussions on karma.
The foundation of karma literature lies in Jain scriptures. The compilation of *Karma Shastra* (science of karma) includes ancient texts on karma, which both the Svetambara and Digambara Jain traditions consider to be authentic. These traditions consider *Angrayaniyapurva* (the second of the fourteen *Purvas*) to be part of the twelfth *Anga* (canonical text). Both traditions agree that the twelve *Angas* and fourteen *Purvas* are direct pronouncements of Lord Mahavira. While the current *Karma Shastra* may not be in its original form, it is essentially the essence of Lord Mahavira's teachings, passed down through tradition.
Another belief is that all *Angavidya* (Jain scriptures) are not only from Lord Mahavira's time but also from previous *Tirthankaras* (Jain prophets) and are therefore timeless. However, the flow...