Jaina Epistemology

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

Page 30

History and Sources
of the way to salvation. It does not figure as the central theme. The five types of knowledge stand as the spiritual powers manifested gradually as the self aspires higher and higher. They are landmarks of the spiritual development. In the Tarka-School knowledge is a means to ascertain reality. The criteria of validity, methods of its ascertainment, the sources of knowledge and its relation with the object are the main problems of this School
4. External influence : Āgama-School is a secluded development without any outside influence. Tarka-School is an occurrence necessitated by the outside influence. It is an attempt to defend the Jaina views from external attacks and at the same time to refute the non-Jaina views. The terms of discussion with others compelled the Jaina scholars also to reshape their views in the logical style maintained by other systems. This necessitated change in grouping and the method of presentation.
5. Style : Agamic literature is marked with simplicity and natural flow. The Upanisads, the Pitakas and the Agamas have a direct appeal to the heart. They are far away from the hairsplitting wrangling of the logical period.
6. Language : We may add to the above list an external factor of the language also. The original part of the Agamic literature was written in local dialects with a view to make it understandable even to the common people. Sanskrit was naturally neglected. This tendency is found in the Buddhist literature as well. The logical literature took its birth from the discussions with Brahmanical thinkers, who took to Sanskrit for their philosophical discussion. It became the language of scholarship as well as that of the court. The Jaina Scholars also, in order to stand with non-Jaina thinkers and to get an access in the scholarly world took to Sanskrit as their medium of philosophical treatment. ... 7. Faith versus Reason : Faith is the dominant feature of the Agamic literature. There is no appeal to reason. The canonical discussions are confined only to the interpretation of scriptural texts. The logical literaturc solely depends upon rea