Collected Research Papers in Prakrit and Jainology Vol 02

Author(s): Nalini Joshi
Publisher: University of Pune

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(7) Some Distinctive Features of Pancāstikāya
In continuation with the above mentioned conference on Jainaism, a seminar on Prakrit Literature was arranged at 'Sravanabelagola' in October 2010. The central theme was 'The Ancient Prakrit Texts' to avoid repetition, particular ancient Prakrit texts were allotted among the
scholars for reflective consideration.
A lot is written about Pancāstikāya on popular as well as acedemic level because of the valuable contribution of Kundakunda to Jainaa philosophy and Prakrit languages. The paper starts with a short lucid introduction. Total fifteen important distinctive features are documented with proper references and cross-references. At the end it is noted that, 'It is actually impossible to enumerate the distinctive features of Pañcāstikāya, since it is the overflow of spiritual experiences expressed in lucid style with inborn wisdom. But in nutshell we can say that Pancastikāya is an excellent example of dehali-dipa-nyāya. It illuminates the nature of scriptural concepts of astikāyas and dravyas in the perspective of contemporary philosophies and at the same time, it is the whistle-blower of the forthcoming era of logic in the field of Jainaism.'
(8) Jainaism : Philosophy and Practice in India
This is a presentation given in the panel discussion arranged by the Dept. of Philosophy (Mumbai) and IPC - for the AAPA Conference in October 2010. Diacritical marks are not used in the paper because at the time of publishing, it creates technical difficulty.
The line of thinking and the scope of the paper are well-articulated in the introductory part of the paper. The author writes, 'I wish to underline the flexibility and all inclusiveness of Jainaa practices in the broader perspective of historical background of Indian religions.' The paper is neat and compact because the author has chosen some of the important practices for consideration from Srāvakācāra and has excluded monastic conduct in this presentation.
From ten important aspects the practical' or 'popular' Jainaism is examined and commented. Future of practical Jainaism is painted at the end with bright colors. The author exclaims, “I conclude with a very happy note that, there is no fear for Jainas to lose their identity. On the contrary, there is tremendous potentiality in Jainaa philosophy and ethics to influence the world without going for any fanatic measures."
(9) The Ancient Jaina Text Rşibhāşita (Unique example of religious harmony)
A state level Seminar was arranged by Ramkrishna Math, Pune, on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekanand in March 2011. The central theme was - 'In search of Religious Harmony'. SethH.N.Jaina Chair contributed a lot to this seminar by presenting three papers in three languages. Besides the above mentioned paper, Dr. Kaumudi Baldota wrote on