Lord Mahavira and His Times

Author(s): Kailashchandra Jain
Publisher: Motilal Banarasidas

Page 39

Sources
19
several works as portions of the works were added to them from time to time. While different names are ascribed to one and the same canon, the number of canons varies considerably. Besides, certain canons or parts of the canons have become totally obsolete.
The important canonical texts are the Kalpa Sutra, Sülrakṣitānga (Sayagadamga), Uttaradhyayana Sūtra (Uttarājjhagana Sīya), Acharānga Sutra (Ājāranga Sutta), Vjākhyā-Prajñapli (Bhagavati Vijāhapannatti), Nirzāvali Sūtra (Nirajāvalija Sīpa), Upāsakadašā (Uvāsagadasão), Jñatādharmakatha (Nayādhammakahão), Aupapātika Sutra (Ovavõiya Siiya), Rājapraśnīja Saira (Rajapasenaiya Süya), and Avašyaka Sūtra ( Āvassaya Saya). As far as the contents of these Jaina canonical Sutras are concerned, they are traditionally known as the Pravachanas of the Jainas, particularly those of Mahāvīra. Their chief interest lies in the clear presentation of various topics relating to the lives of the Jinas and their teachings. Incidentally, they also throw valuable light on the political and cultural aspects of the country.
The major portion of the Kalpa Safra is devoted to the biography of Mfahāvīra, including his birth, lineage, parentage, childhood, marriage, itinerary during asceticism and finally his death. It also refers to the nine Lichchhavis as having formed a league with nine Mallakīs and eighteen clan-lords of Käsi-Košala.
The Sūtrakṣitānga, the Ultarādhyarana and the charanga contain the oldest part of the canon from the linguistic and literary points of view. These are very important as they enlighten us about the original teachings of Mahāvīra. The object of the Sūtraksilānga is to guard young monks against hcretical beliefs and to lead them on towards the attainments of the highest knowledge. They are to encounter many trials and tribulations but not to commit sins. The fundamental docirines of Jainism leading to the final deliverance of man have been discussed. Nlahāvira has been represenicd as a great teacher and praised for the virtues which have been described. This work also describes the four heretical creeds of the time of Alahävira-krijārāda, Akrijārāda, Ajnanciada, and l'inarazada 1. SBE, XXII, p. 266. 2. Ibid , XLV, p. xxxviii.