History of Canonical Literature of Jainas

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

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THE EXTANT AGAMAS OF THE JAINAS
descriptions are reproduced, indicated by the word vanna or abbreviated by introducing the word jäva, when they are required elsewhere; for, this Uvanga is practically the 1st work codified at the council of Valabhi. Over and above this work being a store-house of splendid descriptions, it has a historical importance, too, as it refers to Lord Mahävira's samosarana in Campå and the pilgrimage of Küniya to that place. Further, the various attainments and penances of the saints of Lord Mahāvīra are here mentioned in details, and this is followed by the description of various celestial beings who come to attend upon Lord Mahāvīra. His sermon delivered on this occasion may be looked upon as the last item of the 1st part which may be named as Samosarana. The 2nd part opens with the description of Indrabhûti's journey to Lord Mahāvīra, and various questions (regarding the re-births) asked by the former to the latter. Sutta 74 deals with various Tavasas, and the following ones up to s. 100 with Parivayagas, Ammada being one of them. His subsequent life as Dadhapaïnna is then dealt with. In the end we have exposition about the samugghāya resorted to, by some of the omniscient beings, description of the abode of the liberated and the condition therein. Suttas 168-189 which form the ending portion, are in verse, whereas the preceding portion is mostly in prose.
RĀYAPASENIYA
This Uvanga deals with the birth of King Paësi as Sūriabha deva, his celestial grandeur and enjoyments, his staging of a drama and a dance in the presence of Lord Mahāvīra, the description of his vimana, and a dialogue regarding the identity of soul and body between Paësi and Kesi Ganadhara, a follower of Lord Parsva. Prof. Winternitz attaches immense value to this. dialogue; for, he considers it as a beautiful piece of literature." As regards the title etc. of this Uvanga, it may be noted that in the 5th Anga (s. 133) and elsewhere, too, it is mentioned as Rayappaseṇaijja.
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1. In s. 30 these are treated at length.
2. Sutta 38 furnishes us with a description of celestial damsels.
3. The author has not divided the work into 2 parts; but this is what some of the modern scholars do.
4. See A His. of Ind. Lit. (Vol. II, p. 455)
5. See Avassayacunni (pt. I, p. 142).
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