Jaina Karmaology

Author(s): N L Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

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Jaina Karmology
based, deficient and efficient or non-sense-based) concept of perceptional cognition and modifying its definition in terms of 'immediate-cum-lucid' (visada) (4) establishment of six -fold organs of valid cognition (Pramanas) by refuting other systems in this regard (5) applications of polyviewism to explain the resultant of organs of valid cognitions (6) the scientific concept of relative validity of organs of cognitions and (7) non-acceptance of the practice of casuistry, censure, wrangling and cavil etc. for a good scripture-based debates and many others.
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The scholastic achievement of Akalanka springs forth from the texts of noted scholars like Dharmkirti (Buddhist) and his predecessors, Kumarila (Mimansaka) and Udyotkara (Nyāya) who either preceded him or were his contemporary. He has depth in his descriptions and meanings along with satirical remarks for the opponents.
We do not find other details about his activities during his life time. Of course, his scholastic works and debates must have consumed most of his time besides his pontifical duties and observance of monkal practices. We do also not have any mention of his teacher-taught lineage. Nyayacharya does not seem to agree to the hearsay about his brother - Nikalanka. However, looking at the places of his debates, his area of activities was in the southern and Kalinga part of the country. He had a glorious death in 780 A.D. It must be noted that while Akalanka was promoting Jaina faith in the south, his contemporary Svetambara scholar Haribhadra was following his path in the north.
The Project: Chapterwise English Translation of Rājvā rtika of Akalanka
In these days of (i) global communications (ii) promotion of harmony among the world of religions (iii) advancement of science and scientificity and (iv) thirst for knowledge, the Jaina faith requires universal propagation due to its self-experienced or observed and scientifically benevolent concepts attuned to the relativistic theory. However, the process has been hampered due to language problem. It is necessary to place the traditional or original general or scholarly literature before the world in the most popular language - English. Many western and eastern scholars have done creditable work in this direction. However, much more needs to be done. The promotion of faith in Jinistic spiritualism requires the scientific character of the