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An investigation of the earlier subject matter of ...
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To conclude, it can be maintained that the Praśnavyākarana containing the subject matter similar to the subject matter of Rşibhāșita, is the oldest edition most probably composed in 3rd century BC. Then in 2nd 3rd century A.D. the matter pertaining to occult sciences were included to it as informed by Sthānanga. After that, parts like Rşibhāșita etc. were separated from it in 4th century A.D., and was transformed into a text of occult sciences as proved by Samavāyārga. According to Agamic literature during this period several texts were in existence with different readings bearing the nomenclature of "Praśnavyākarana'. The present edition of Pras'navyākaraṇa with the description of influx and stoppage of Karmic matter came into existence only in 6ih century AD. As regards the two extinct editions of Praśnavyākaraņa, the maximum portion of the first edition though with some alterations is included in available Rşibhāșita, Uttaradhyayana, Sūtrakṣitānga and Jñätādharmakathā. The second edition related to occult sciences could be traced in available Jayapāhuda and Pras'navyäkaraņa. I hope scholars will undertake a serious research to facilitate the subject matter of Pras'navyākaraņa more precisely. References:
1. Samavāyānga-sūtra, 546 2. Vāgaraṇaganthāo pabhiti. . ., Isibhāsiyāiṁ, 31 | 3. Sthānānga-sutra 10/116 4. Praśnavyākaraṇa-sūtra 5. Samaväyānga-sūtra, 546-549 6. Tattvārthavārtika, 1/20, p. 73-74 7. Dhavala, Part I p. 107-8. 8. Isibhāsiyāim, Adhyayana-31 9. Sthānānga-sutra, 9 10. coyālīsam ajjhayana isibhāsiyā diyalogcuyā bhāsiyā pannattā.
Samavāyānga-sūtra, 44/258
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