History of Canonical Literature of Jainas

Author(s): Hiralal R Kapadia
Publisher: Shardaben Chimanbhai Educational Research Centre

Page 120

THE EXTANT ĀGAMAS OF THE JAINAS
In the last chapter we dealt with the extinct Agamas. So we shall here treat the extant ones which, together with the former, make up the Jaina canon. It is true that the Agamas which we have to-day, are not the exact prototypes of those composed several centuries ago; for, they have undergone some changes, the linguistic ones and those introduced at the time of the Redaction of the canon being chief of them. The Āgamas available at present, however, confirm to their critical editions prepared under the able supervision of Devarddhi Gani Ksamāśramana. It appears that for several Agamas, we have palm-leaf Mss. at least as old as the second quarter of the 12th century of the Vikrama era. It is neither possible nor necessary to consult them while dealing with the extant Agamas; for, their printed editions seem to be fairly reliable.
ĀYARA
With these preliminary remarks, I shall now begin with Āyāra, the 1st Anga. It is divided into two suyakkhandhas, the 1st having at present 8 ajjhayanas? (formerly 9) and the 2nd 16.Most of these ajjhayaņas are subdivided into uddesas, * each of which consist of suttas. It appears that formerly there was only the 1st suyakkhandha comprising the following 9 ajjhayanas :
1. Literally this means a trunk of (the tree of) the scripture. It may be roughly translated as
'section'. H. Jacobi has translated it as 'book'. See S. B. E. (vol. XXII, p. 1). 2. This word has been translated as 'lecture' by H. Jacobi. --Ibid., p. 1 3. Cf. " ui Birger 96 3*, S TACE, was 37082mm, YaR EUCHTETI" - Nandi (s. 46) 4. H. Jacobi has translated this as 'lesson'. See S. B. E. (vol. XXII, p. 1). Ajjhayanas 1 to
6, 8 and 9 of the 1st section have 7, 6, 4, 4, 6, 5, 8 and 4 uddesas respectively, whereas ajjhayanas 1 to 7 of the 2nd have 11, 3, 3, 2, 2, 2, and 2. Thus ajjhayaņas 8 to 16 of the 2nd have no uddesas.