________________
(5) Some Problems in Editing Single Manuscript (with special reference to Bappabhattikahā)
A scholar of Jainaism can have an easy access in the seminars of Manuscriptology provided he tries to edit a manuscript in his academic endeavor. A seminar on Manuscriptology was arranged under the joint auspices of the Institute of Jainaology (Ahmedabad) and BORI on August 2010. The above mentioned paper was presented there. Initially the salient features of the Manuscript collection of BORI are given. After that the physical details and importance of the concerned ms. viz. Bappabhattikahā is mentioned. Some examples of the single-manuscript-editions are given i.e. Şațkhandāgama, Vasudevahindi and Samkhitta-tarangavai-kahā.
In the next point, some problems and observations while editing, are given with actual examples and quotations. It is noted that the vocabulary of Bappabhattikahā contributed a lot to the Prakrit-English-Comprehensive-Dictionary of BORI. In the conclusive remarks, a caution is given to the newcomers that, 'The technical knowledge of manuscripts is no doubt important but it is our duty to apply the methodology for editing unpublished mss. and that too with scholarly introduction, variant readings, translations and critical notes like our Pūrvasūris'. A glimpse of a list of unedited mss. given at the end of the paper is really valuable for further research activities
in this field.
(6) World of Tiryancas: The Unique Jainaa Perspective
A grand International Conference of Jainaism was arranged in Mysore by the Archaeology and Museums Dept. of Govt. of Karnātaka in October 2010. The central theme was 'Jainaism Through Ages'. The eminent scholars of Jainaa studies from all over the world presented their papers from various aspects of Jainaism. In five different halls, the scholars presented their papers from 10.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. for three days. Nearly fifty percent of papers were dedicated to archaeology, iconography and temple art.
The above mentioned paper about Tiryancas was presented in the section of Philosophy and Literature. The subject is philosophical and the references are gathered from the vast Jainaa literature. It is in real sense comparative because a lot of references from Vedic (Hindu) literature and Jätaka-kathās are taken into consideration. Though the word 'Tiryanca' is used, the scope is limited to five-sensed birds and animals having mind (samjñi pañcendriya tiryancas). In this paper, an effort is made to co-relate the Jainaa thoughts with the modern discoveries. Examples and instances are noted down from 'Discovering Wildlife : a series published by Reader's Digest' (Ref. nos. 47 to 53). The salient features of the world of Tiryañcas noted at the end of the paper are quite note-worthy.
A comment can be made as an impartial examiner that the scope of the subject is so wide that one cannot give justice to it in a small paper. Actually it is a long research article or a small size project. In the project, all the philosophical, ethical and spiritual aspects about Tiryancas can be enumerated.
