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ged by the fact that the three-fold scheme of predication is simpler than the four-fold scheme of the Sceptics and Buddhists and the corresponding seven-fold scheme of the Jainas, it would appear to be earlier than both the Buddhist and the Jain schemes, with which the Ajivikas could not have been acquainted when they evolved theirs," Further he says, "In fact, it can be shown that in the earliest Buddhist and Jaina texts the very doctrine of the Trairasikas, which seems to have necessitated the three-fold scheme, is mentioned, thus making it highly probable that it was atleast earlier than the Jain scheme". He accounts for this view by saying that "while the earliest stratum of the Pāli Nikayas knows of the four-fold scheme, one of the earliest Books of the Jain Canon, the Sutrakṛtanga, which makes an independent reference to this Trairasika doctrine, does not mention the seven-fold scheme, although it is aware of the basic principles of Syādvāda, 101
Here Jayatilleke tries to prove that that three-fold schame appears to be earlier than the Jaina scheme. He gives a reason in support of his view that the Satrakṛtanga does not mention the Seven-fold scheme. I too hold the three-fold scheme had come into existance earlier than the four-fold scheme. Dighanakha pribrajaka, who seems to be a follower of the Parsvanatha tradition, also maintains, as we have already found, this scheme.
As regards the absence of the reference in the Sutrakṛtanga, it should be remembered that it is not totally unaware of the basic principles of Syadvada, as Jayatilleke himself accepts. It is said that "the wise man should not joke or explain without conditional propositions."10% He should "expound the analytical theory (vibhajjavāyayṁ ca vyagrejja) and use the two kinds of speech, living among virtuous men, impartial and wise.108 Further it does not deal with the Jaina philosophy. It is a concise compilation of the Jaina doctrines as well as others of that time. It was, therefore, not essential to deal with Syadvāda in detail. Kundakunda, who flourished in the first
