________________
language. Tirthankars use this language for their sermons. As it is the language of the masses its use is popular and beneficial for the masses. All listeners can easily understand this language and work for their well being. Style
Although the composition of this Agam is narrative, it is predominantly in questionanswer style or dialogue style. Jambu Swami asks Sudharma Swami (in the chapter of Antakriddasha Sutra under reference) what has been told by Bhagavan Mahavir. In reply Sudharma Swami details the subject matter of the chapter. This contains the description of characters, city and other details besides the story of the spiritual practices up to the point of liberation.
Sudharma Swami starts his narrative with the statement, "During that period and at that time..." Besides this work, the same style has also been used in Inatadharmakatha, Upasakdasha, Vipuk Sutra and Anutturuupapatik Sutra.
In Ardha-Magadhi language, two word forms are available-(1) Ending with consonant, and (2) Ending with vowel. For example-Parivasati and Parivasai, Vannato and Vannao, Agato and Agao etc. In this Agam mostly the vowel-ending form has been used. These words are easy to recite and sweet to listen.
In the writing of Agams, two styles of contents are found—(1) Use of numeral reference with brief mentions of details, e.g. 'namamsai 21ta' or 'java' (etc. or as mentioned earlier). This was done to avoid repetitions. (2) Avoiding such numeral reference and giving complete text, e.g. namamsai, namamsitta.
The first style is difficult to understand and the second is boring due to repetitions.
It is better if the writing style is interesting, because it keeps the listener or reader spell-bound. He absorbs the message easily and gets impressed and inspired.
It is necessary to include stories and descriptions of surroundings including place and
period.
From this angle the style of this Agam is well structured and systematic. It gives complete and compact description of the life, grandeur, matrimony, achievements, charities, gifts of and related to the characters of the stories, after introducing them. It goes further and details the cities, gardens, chaityas (religious centers), sermons, renunciation, detachment from mundane activities, conduct of discipline, austerities, ultimate vows, etc.
This style of narration triggers religious feelings of listeners and readers.
Besides this, many other important facts are also revealed. They include that the doors of Bhagavan Mahavir's religious order were open to all. In his religious order kings, queens, and princes as well as traders like Markai and aborigines like Arjunamali, all were
Antakriddasha Mahima
• 309 .
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
