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ARHAT VACANA Kundakunda Jñanapitha, Indorer
Vol.-23, Issue 3, July-September 2011, 47-54
Symbolism in Jaina Literature
Anupam Jain
Abstract
Todaramala (c. 1720-1767 A.D.) of Jaipur compiled two chapters on the norms of symbolism (Artha Samdṛṣṭi Adhikāras) from some earlier Samskṛta and Kannada commentaries, ranging from the 13th to 16th century A.D. These commentaries were written by Kesava Varni and Nemicandra Jñanabūṣaṇa on the philosophical texts, the Gommatasara and the Labdhisāra, which summarize the Karma System Theory. In the commentaries, mathematical symbolism is embedded without any exposition.
Three type of Symbols; numerical, algebric and geometrical have been used profusely, carrying implications of methematico scientific purport. Symbolism is naive and multipurpose, creating confusion when read without context or relevence. Specific mention may be made of the operational symbolism used in place value notation for substraction, in logarithims as well as in geometric forms.
1. Introduction :
On a survey of the development of symbolism in the Jaina School of Mathematics' one may find the three types of phases: rhetoric, syncope and symbolic. They are respectively observed in the Satkhandagama (1-2 C.A.D.), the Dhavala3 (9th C.A.D.) and the Tiloyapanṇatti (4-7th C.A.D.) as well as the Jivatattvapradipikä (16o C.A.D.) (along with the Arthasamrsti of Todaramala)?. The Arthasamdṛṣți of the Gommaṭasāra (abbr. ASG) predominates in the numerical and algebraic symbols. The Arthasamdṛṣṭi of the Labdhisara (abbr. ASL), however, includes geometric symbols in additon, quite profusely.
It is evident from the treatment of Vīrasena in the Dhavala Commentary that operational symbolism might have been developed by the school, although no such work is available now. The earlier works also contain the same material, condensed in compact sutras in the Satkhandagama. The symbols give the account of the post universal measures (lokottara Pramāṇa). They will be analysed in what follows in brief. The symbolism in the Labdhisāra may be a topic for detailed study in future.
* Professor of Mathematics and Hony. Secretary Kundakunda Jñanapīṭha, 584, M.G. Road, Indore - 452001
