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JAINISM AND DEMOCRACY
known as Chheda. It is important for a comparative study of the ascetic life.
Four Mula Sūtras:
The term Mula is interpreted in many ways. The most probable explanation is that a text of these Sutras was learnt by heart. The tradition continues even now. This class consists of the following four works :
1. Uttarajjhayanaņi. 2. Āvassaya.
3. Dasaveyaliya. 4. Pinda Nijjutti.
Uttaradhyayana is one of the most valuable works in the canon. It is a religious poem consisting of 36 chapters. The Santi Parvan of the Mahābhārata, Dhummapada and Sutta Nipāta of the Buddhist and Uttarādhyayana stand on a par; and we can learn that the same current of ascetic poetry runs through all the three traditions. The series of gnomic aphorisms, parables and similies, dialogues and ballads found in all the three systems represent a common heritage.
Uttara is a fine piece of Präkṛta poetry as well. It presents many narratives in a fascinating style.
The first chapter deals with the rules of discipline to be observed by a disciple. "One should always be meek, and not to be talkative in the presence of the wise; one should acquire valuable knowledge, and avoid what is worthless." He should not speak unasked, and asked he should not speak a lie. He should not give
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