Jaina Perspective in Philosophy and Religion

Author(s): Ramjee Singh
Publisher: Parshwanath Shodhpith Varanasi

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Jaina Perspective in Philosophy and Religion
Pt. Sukhalalji1 has divided the entire extent of Jaina philoshophical literature broadly into four periods beginning with the Agamic period. Not withstanding the differences in the two tradition of Digambaras and Śveta mbaras, the Jainas generally agree that the Agamas constitute the inspired wisdom of Lord Mahavira, when he attained perfection and Omniscience. The sermons were later on codified by his chief disciples called Gapadharas. According to the Jaina tradition, there are only two types of persons, who are qualified to know the secrets of religion-the Omniscient (Kevalin) who directly perceive everything of all places and of all times. Then there is another class of persons who understand the meaning and significance of sermons indirectly, i. e, through the lectures or sermons by the Kevalins themselves. They are called Śruta Kevalins. Acarya Yati Vṛşabha has given the chronological account of the Missionary (Acarya) tradition of 683 years after the Nirvana of Lord Mahavira having 3 Kevalins, 5 Śruta Kevalins, 20 different orders of Acaryas.3
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According to the Śvetambara tradition, the last compilation of the Agamas had been done at Valabhi after 980 years of the death of Lord Mahavira at the time of Devardhi, however the compilations of some of the Agamas were done at Pațaliputra also which was after 250 years of Lord Mahāvīra's death. The Agamic literaure is vast and stupendous, comprising of 12 Angas, 12 Upāňgas, 4 Mulas, 2 Chulikas
1. Sukhalal Sanghavi, Darśana Aur Chintana (Ahmedabad, 1957), p. 362.
2. Kailash Chandra Sastri, Jaina Dharma (Kashi, 2475 V. N. ), p. 254.
Mahendra Kumar Acarya, Jaina Darśana (Kashi, 1955 A. D.), p. 16. He says that Harivansa Purana, Jayadhavala, Adi Purāņa and Śrutavatara also support it. see Preface to Jayadhavala, Volume I, pp. 47-50. Dalsukha Malvania, Jaina Darśanika Sahitya Ke Vikas Ki Rūparekha (Varanasi, 1952), pp. 1-4.
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