Vaishali Institute Research Bulletin 1

SR No.: 522601
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Nathmal Tatia
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur
Publication Year: 1971
Total Pages: 414
Language: English, Hindi
Classification: Magazine, India_Vaishali Institute Research Bulletin, & India
File Size: 9 MB

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VAISHALI INSTITUTE RESEARCH BULLETIN NO. I
texts of unimpeachable authority and such scripture is defined in the following verse.
Text aptopajñam anullarghyam adrsteştavirodhakam tattvopadeśakst sārvam śāstram kāpathaghassanam ||
Translation "Śāstra (scripture) is that which is directly composed by a person having first-hand knowledge, is indefeasible and not in conflict with the verdict of other organs of valid knowledge and with the testimony of other accredited texts; and which gives instruction on ultimate truth and is conducive to the benefit of all and is competent to crush the evil paths (inculcated by other sectarian teachers !." ... (IX)
Elucidation Sastra', i. e. scripture is called such because it inculcates the ultimate categories.' 'A person having first-hand knowledge' means one who has completely eliminated the failings, attachment, malice, greed, etc. which disqualify a man for intuition of truth. The word apta’ is defined in other texts as a person who is freed from intellectual and moral drawbacks and has envisaged the truth face to face. This emphasis on personal authorship implies the repudiation of the contention of the Mimamsaka that the authoritative texts of the Veda are uncreated by a person (apauruşeya) and they are eternally existent and eternally true. This belief in the impersonal scripture is regarded by the protestant creeds such as the Jainas and the Buddhists as irrational. It is opposed to the universal experience of mankind that there can be a verbal assertion without an author. Even if such eternal uncreated text is conceded to be possible for the sake of argument that also does not give any advantage These texts are to be explained by a teacher and there is every likelihood that the teacher who is subject to prejudices and preferences fostered by attachment to these texts and hatred of other scriptures should give a distorted version and the pupils will be misled. So the assertion of uncreated text defeats its purpose. It may be rejoined that this contingency is common to all scriptures of all sects. Whether the scriptural text is created by a person of unimpeachable authority and intellectual capacity or uncreated, the interpretation of such scripture depends on average persons who are subject to human failings. But we should recognize the fact that the Jainas and the Buddhists repudiate the truth of the assertion of the advocate of impersonal scripture.
1. sāsti śikṣayati jivajívādi tattvam grāhayati. Nyāyāvatāra viurti, p. 43.