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CHAPTÉR V THE EXTANT AGAMAS OF THE JAINAS In the last chapter we dealt with the extinct Āgamas. So we shall here treat the extant ones which, together with the former, make up the Jaina canon. It is true that the Agamas which we have to-day, are not the exact prototypes of those composed several centuries ago; for, they have undergone some changes, the linguistic ones and those introduced at the time of the Redaction of the canon being chief of them. The Ägamas available at present, however, confirm to their critical editions prepared under the able supervision of Devarddhi Gaņi Kșamāsramana. It appears that for several Agamas, we have palm-leaf Mse. at least as old as the second quarter of the 12th century of the Vikrama era. It is neither possible nor necessary to consult them while dealing with the extant Agamas; for, their printed editions seem to be fairly reliable.
ĀYĀRA With these preliminary remarks, I shall now begin with Ayāra, the 1st Anga. It is divided into two suyakkhandhas', the 1st having at present 8 ajjhayanas? (formerly 9) and the 2nd 16.3 Most of these ajjhayaņas are sub-divided into uddesas“, each of which consist of suttas. It appears that formerly there was only the 1st suyakkhandha comprising the following 9 ajjhayaņas:
1
2 3
Literally this means a trunk of (the tree of the scripture. It may be roughly translated as 'section'. H. Jacobi has translated it as 'book'. See S. B. E, (vol. XXII, p. 1). This word has been translated as lecture' by H. Jacobi.-Ibid., p. 1 Cf. "o ainger 46 p at garciar, qatë 254uIT, ateite 3ę hurton"
-Nandi (s. 46 ) H. Jacobi has translated this as 'lesson'. See S. B. E. (vol. XXII, p. 1). Aijhayanas - 1 to 6, 8 and 9 of the 1st section have 7, 6, 4, 4, 6, 5, 8 and 4 uddesas respectively, whereas ajjhayaņas 1 to 7 of the 2nd have 11, 3, 3, 2, 2, 2 and 2. Thus ajjhayaņas 8 to 16 of the 2nd lavu no uddesas.
4
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