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Epistemology of Jainas
Comparison with the Vedic Tradition
It can be observed that the term śruta carries the same idea as śruti of the Vedic tradition. Some Āgamas also bear similarity in names with the Vedic literature. But, as far as their subject matter is concerned they are totally different. We may quote some of them below:
(1) Kalpasūtra :-The Vedic literature also contains a number of kalpasūtras. But, they discuss the rules of conduct to be followed in the various stages (aśramas) of life. The Jaina Kalpasūtra contains biographical sketches. It is a matter of further investigation what was the original meaning of 'kalpa' and how it came to be applied in two different senses.
(2) Vyākaraṇa :- In the Vedic literature Vyākaraña means grammar. But in the Jaina Āgamas Vyakarana means explanation. The Praśna Vyakaranı is an explanation of a number of questions.
(3) Nirukta :-The Vedic term Nirukta, in its exact form is not found in the Jaina literature. But, we have the term Niryukti bearing a certain degree of resemblance. Nirukta discusses the derivation of Vedic words. Niryukti is a commentary in Prākṣta in the gāthā form. Here, we have some resemblance, as in both cases it means explanatory notes in addition to it there are certain original āgamas bearing the title Niryukti. They have nothing to do with derivation or etymology.
The explanation of such terms is an independent subject which can throw much light on our ancient philology.
(4) Amga-The term 'amga' occurs in the Vedic as well as the Buddhist literature. The Vedas are reported to have six amgas. But there, the term occurs not in the sense of limbs but a subordinate or helping literature. The Vedic text is not included in the amgas. Moreover, each of the six amgas contains an exclusive field of subject, quite distinct from the others. In Jaina literature the amgas constitute the main body of Šrutapuruşa. Secondly, the twelve amgas are not so exclusive in the subject matter as it is in the Vedic literature. They are not associated with different branches of learning as we find in the
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