Book Title: Jainism Eternal and Universal Path for Enlightenment
Author(s): Narendra Bhandari
Publisher: Research Institute of Scientific Secrets from Indian Oriental Scriptures Ahmedabad
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Jainism : The Eternal and Universal path for Enlightenment
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(consisting of Surya-prajnapti, Chandra-prajnapti, Jaya-Dhavala-tika and Gommat-sar (written 780-1000 AD) dealing with astronomy, astrology, geography, and mathematics. The philosophical doctrine, theories, metaphysics, Tattvajnan, are contained in Dravyanuyog which consist of Niyamasar, Panchastikly1 Pravachanas1r and Samaya-sara written by charya Kundakunda (ca 100 AD); Tattvartha-sutra by Umaswati (-200 AD) and its commentaries and Aptamim'ms 1 by Samantbhadra (600 AD) and its commentaries by Akalank and by Vidyanand (800 AD).
Svetambars, on the other hand, held several conferences', at Patli Putra (about 367 BC), Orissa (-150 BC), Mathura (-310AD) and two at Vallabhi (-454 and -300 AD) to document the scriptures, as far as they could be remembered. The Swetambar texts are Ach-rang søtra (Aayirang) describing the conduct and behavior of ascetics and penances of Bhagwan Mah?vir; søtrakrat ng søtra (Suyagdang) describes nonviolence, Jain metaphysics, and the refutation of other religious theories such as Kriyavada, Akriyavada, Ajnanavada, and Vinayavada; Sth-nanga søtra (Th Inang) and Samavayanga søtra) describing various aspects of Jain metaphysics; Vy khy: Prajnapti or Bhagavati søtra (Viyah Pannati): This gam explains the subtle knowledge of soul, matter, and other related subjects. Thirty-six thousand (36000) questions and answers are presented in this text for clarification of doubts. It is the largest of the eleven Ang.. gams. Jn1t1 Dharma Kath nga søtra (Nayadhammakah-o) explains Jain principles through examples and stories. This text is useful in understanding the mode of Bhagvin Mah?vir's religious preachings. Upasaka Dashanga søtra (Uvasagdasao) explains the code of conduct of the ten followers (Shravaks) of Bhagvin Mah?vir. This gamis useful for understanding the code and conduct of individual seekers (Shravaka Dharma). Antah Kradashanga søtra (Anatagaddasao) tells the stories of ten sacred monks attaining liberation (Mok-a) by destroying their karmas. Anuttaroupa Patika Dash nga søtra (Anuttarov Vaiya Dis:o) contains the stories of additional ten monks who attained the top-most Anuttara heaven. Prashna Vy i karana søtra (Panha Vagarnai) describesthe five great vows (mahavratas) and the five worst sins defined in the Jain religion. Vip ka søtra (Vivagsuyam) explains the results of good and bad karmas
1. Based on Jain, gam Sahitya by Devendra muni. Other scholars have given slightly different dates for the conferences.
