Jaina Epistemology

Author(s): Indra Chandra Shastri
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

Page 29

Epistemology of Jainas
variod does not leave the central point. It is interesting to note how the idea made its journey through various phases; someti-- mes pure and genuine, keeping its chastity undisturbed; than mixed with the external influence, again taking its original form and recasting itself in a new model.
Below we shall give a brief account of the main landmarks in the development of literature related with the theory of knowledge.
THE TWO SCHOOLS The Jaina literature on epistemology can be classified into two schools? i. e. [1] Āgama-School and [2] Tarka-School. The main difference between them does not lie in any principle or the fundamental conception, but in the way of treatment. The following points may show the characteristics of each school:
1. Literature : The Āgama School is mainly based on the canonical literature and the post-canonical literature developed as commentaries. There are very few independent works related with the Agama-School. Tarka-School is mainly based on independent works dealing with the subject logically.
2. Age : Originally the Āgama School begins with the age of Pārsvanātha; but the extant literature related with this school starts from 300 B. C. and continues upto 1000 A. D. Though the contribution of Yaśovijaya is not insignificant; yet, he stands all alone, after an interval of eight centuries. The Tarka-School begins with Siddhasena or Samantabhadra (600 A. D.) and lasts upto Hemacandra (1100 A. D.). Yasovijaya contributes to this school also but he cannot be included into the age as he comes all alone after a long interval.
3. Dominant idea : In Āgama School the dominant idea is ethical aspiration and liberation from bondage of the world. The factor of knowledge stands here, as one of the constituents 1. J. S. S. Vol. 3, p. 127.