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An Epitome of Jainism There is no Jaina doctrine or dogma, which is not expressed or implied in these aphorisms. Verily Tattvärtha Sûtra is a sacred epitome of Jainism,
It is recited by millions of mouths every day, in temples and in private houses. Indeed, it is held that one recitation of this book brings as much pious merit as a fast of one day. So it is said :
दशाध्याय परिच्छिन्ने तत्वार्थे पठिते सति ।
फलं स्यादुपवासस्य भाषितं मुनिपुङ्गवः ॥ It is deservedly the text-book of the religion of Tirthamkaras par excellence. How great and authoritative it is recognised to be, will be further evident from the fact that it is perhaps the most commented upon book in Jaina Literature. No less than 31 commentaries of it are known to be extant now.
Very little is known at present of the life of the Author. His name was Umâsvâmi, or, according to the Svetâmbara version, Umâsvâti. His spiritual descent is given below:
Serial No.
of Saint
Name
Number of years that he was head of Jainism
From and to the
year of Lord Vira, i.e., after Mahavira's Liberation 527 B.C.
A.V.
1-3 Kevali (for 62 years) 1. Gautama Svâmi 2. Sudharmâchârya 3. Jambu Svâmi
1--12 13-24 25_-62
II--5 Sruta-Kevali (100 years)
1. Vişnudhara 2. Nandimitra 3. Aparajita 4. Gauvardhana 5. Bhadrababu I
63—76 77--92 93-114 115--133 134. 162
11--11 Ten Púrvi (181 years)
1. Visakhâcharya 2. Prostilacharya 3. Ksatriyacharya 4. Jayasenâchárya 5. Nâgasenacharya 6. Siddharthâcharya 7. Dhritisenâchârya 8. Vijaya (sena) acharya 9. Buddhilingâchârya 10. Devâchârya .. 11. Dharamasenâchârya
163-172 173-191 192—208 209-229 230-247 248–264 265-282 283_-295 296-316 316--229 330-343
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