Essence of Jainism

Author(s): Jyoti Prasad Jain
Publisher: Shuchita Publication Varanasi

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written on different topics in the Prakrit, Sanskrit, Apabharamsha, Kannada and Tamil languages. The entire religious literature of the Jains is classified into four Anuyogas: Prathamanuyoga, dealing with Puranic and historical traditions and religious lore; Charananuyoga, dealing with the rules of conduct of the ascetics and the laity, including consecrational, ritual and devotional compositions; Karananuyoga, dealing with metaphysics and cosmology; and Dravyanuyoga, dealing with pure philosophy, mysticism and dialectics. In addition, the Jains also produced a rich secular aud scientific literature on different branches of ancient learning. They have handsomely contributed to the development of almost all the ancient, mediaeval and modern Indian languages, literary styles and forms. The institution of Shastrabhandaras (manuscript-libraries) has helped the preservation and dissemination of Jaina works. Jaina literature forms a valuable
part of India's literary heritage,
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