Jains Through Time

Author(s): Shilapi Sadhvi
Publisher: Veerayatan

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embrace altruistic concerns for others to the extent of rejecting one's own emancipation, but I hope that its propagators will lay equal emphasis on solicitude for others, along with the zeal for working on the liberation of the self.
Umasvati: A Lustrous Pearl Acharya Umasvati figures high on the list of spiritual teachers who could see beyond the limits of tradition. He systematised Jain canonical teaching into a coherent philosophy and was the first acharaya to use Sanskrit to write Jain religious works. Umasvati's command of Sanskrit and his far-sighted step of presenting the Agamas in the literary language of his age, awakens our admiration even today. His Tattvartha-Sutra is a work of genius that is still appearing in new and updated translations. It is a comprehensive summary of all aspects of Jain philosophy and has the distinction of being claimed by both the Shvetambar and Digambar traditions.
The Jains through Time
Acharya Siddhasen Diwakar: Unrestricted by Restrictions Acharya Siddhasen also daringly presented the Jain Agamas in Sanskrit, a very arduous and commendable task, earning him a special place in the cultural annals of the Jains. In the book of the history of the Jains, Siddhasen is an unforgettable 'chapter'. His larger than life personality and remarkable literary achievements are beyond compare. His accomplishments in many fields of literature, be they logic, poetry or philosophy, show evidence of profound thought, clear expression and total fearlessness. It is believed that in the Jain philosophy there was no separate theory for the study of logic before Siddhasen. It was still bound up with other schools of philosophy. He established a distinct school of thought on Jain logic in immortal works like Nyayavatar and Sanmatitark.
Acharya Siddhasen brought about an unparalleled blending of poetry and philosophy in his works. In those days Sanskrit was gaining in prestige whilst Prakrit was regarded as a language for the
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