Jinamanjari 1998 09 No 18

Author(s): Jinamanjari
Publisher: Canada Bramhi Jain Society Publication

Page 55

letters. In the mathematical equation, it corresponds to the composition of approximately 3000 verses per year, and 24 years to complete it. The content deals with the explanation of the Jain karma theory with reference to the original canons. The composition with its richness and style implies that the author, Virasena was one of the outstanding scholars of Prakrit, Sanskrit, and equally had possessed knowledge of other philosophical systems. For the first time here we have earnestly made an attempt to translate one of the Sections of the Șat-khandāgama into English. It is important to note that the Hindi translation of the original text was begun in 1939 and its completion in sixteen volumes was achieved after nearly twenty years.
Introduction to Sat-Prarūpaṇa Sūtra
The text is simple of the lot and consists of 177 aphorisms. The subject matter refers to the search of the living beings in fourteen spiritual stages under fourteen categories of Investigations through eight Disquition doors. It describes the basic Jaina concepts through systems of ogha (generalisation) and adesa (specialisation). It consists of four subsections, namely:
Enunciation of Existence-1
- Enunciation of Existence-2 (general and specific)
Eight Disquisition-door based on the numeration of the living beings
Nine appendices describing topics related with the living
-
The first subsection - relating to the living beings with respect to fourteen spiritual stages under fourteen-fold investigative approach is most important for the general reader.
The term "Enunciation" is defined as 'an examination of the living beings from different angles.' The content may be summarised by aphorisms in the following manner:
• Mangalācaraṇa - Benedictory Prologue • Mārgaṇās - Methods of Investigations Anuyogadvāras - Disquisition Doors
•
• Descriptional Categories
• Upward Spiritual Stages
• Gati -Destiny
·
Indriya - Senses
• Kaya- Idealisation
Yoga - Contempletive Activities
•
For Private Personal Use Only
125x9+35
aph. 1
8
24
33
47