History of Canonical Literature of Jainas

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

Page 78

REDACTION OF THE JAINA CANON
61
to those noted in the original works and which were even at times almost contemporaneous with the sitting of the council held for the Redaction of the Jaina canon, were embodied in words by the council'. It incorporated them in the works composed long ago, even at the cost of anachronism. For, it appears that it was believed that if they were not to be so noted, it would not be so well preserved for the later generations. But it seems that though this purpose may have been served to some extent, it has added to our difficulties so far as the fixing of dates of certain persons, events and the like is concerned.
(viii) Devarddhi Gani Ksamāśramana, in a way, virtually became the author of the works codified under his supervision.
(ix) This codification acted as a preventive from further modernization of the sacred works.
Before concluding this chapter, I think it necessary to point out the pitfall to which some are likely to succumb, in case they confound this codification of the Jaina śāstras with that of their composition by identifying these two different events. It will be a sheer folly, therefore, to believe that the dates of the compositions of the various śāstras codified at Valabhi are none else but the date of their codification. This folly, if committed, will not only amount to accepting
1. Some may be inclined to suggest that this council has nothing to do with this
embodiment as this came from the very pens of the original authors of the corresponding works-the authors who could forsee what was going to happen in future. But it seems
that such a suggestion can hardly carry any weight at least in these days. 2. It appears that the question of anachronism is not of so vital importance to a Jaina as
the soundness and veracity of what he accepts as a part and parcel of Jainism. Whatever is said or written by a Gītārtha, is looked upon by him with as much authority as an Agama, provided that Gītārtha is really so. Such being the code of
Jainism, the council may not have hesitated in making necessary additions. 4 3. Had they noted the additions separately, they would have been obliged to mention their
locations in the corresponding works, not by pointing out the pages and lines but by reproducing the necessary portion to which they were to be appended. Even such an attempt would not have been so very serviceable as embodying the required portion in the very work itself. For, the reader would have been then often obliged to refer to this Appendix, which, if not by his hand, was likely to be neglected by him. No Jaina author of the olden days was prepared to say that he was contributing something original; for, he believed that the omniscient did know whatever he said. Consequently he was satisfied if his work became helpful to the pupils concerned-no matter even if it was looked upon as a compendium. This view, too, may have induced
the council to take the step it did. 5. See p. 58, fn. 2. 4. See page 210 of addition.
4.