________________
Pratikaramana: Issues concerning Historical and
Comparative Evaluation
The issues concerning the history and concept of pratik rumama, as discussed in Pi. Sukhlalji's 'Introduction' 10 Panca Pratikramana, have already been presented in the earlier paper. Ilowever, in this thought-provoking Introduction written in 1921, one can trace a few important issues of historical and comparative importance which need to be surther explored and investigated. In this brief paper, we may present some of these issues, such as, a comparison into the nature of 'essential acts' lāvusyuku kriycī, prayer etc.) in Jainism and other religions (Vide Pañca Pratikramaņa, p. 31-37), gradual incorporation of the Sūtras in ‘Pratikramaņa' (ibid. p. 42-46), comparison of the sections concerning Avaśyaka in the Svetāmbara and Digambara texts etc. Pl. Sukhlalji's critical approach and treatment of these issues shows a sceintisic spirit of enquiry and the comparative outlook of a philosopher-historian which needs to be pursued in the present age of 'scientific and rational approach'.
1. The six essential acts (sadāvasyaka), presented by the common term "pratikramana' aimn al internal transformation by purifying the 'soul' and serve as an aid towards the attainment of the ultimate aim of Liberation. Since the process of internal transformation and spiritual development is more or less common inspite of apparent diversities, these essential acts can also be considered as the fundamental principles of the spiritual-moral life of every individual, irrespective of the sect or creed to which a person may belong. Inspite of differences in terminology based on doctrinal beliefs, one can trace susficient grounds for comparison amongst various religions like Vedic Religion or Brahmanism, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism and Jainism etc. in acts of daily prayer or rules of discipline. A number of examples showing similarities in sentiments expressed in the Vedic mantras, Avesta and Jainism on one side and amongst the texts of Pali Tspitaka and the Jaina Agamas on the other, have been presented by Sukhlalji in the
