Nyayavatara and Nayakarnika

Author(s): Siddhasena Divakar, Vinayvijay, A N Upadhye
Publisher: Jain Sahitya Vikas Mandal

Page 27

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somewhat elaborately, though many of her observations are personal appreciation based on her samples from the Guṇa-vacana-dvā, 11, of Siddhasena.
Siddhasena's works betray his "devotion to the Jaina faith, and last but not least, the reluctance of the logician to abandon, even for a while, his beloved speciality, logic, in which he keeps indulging even under the influence of poetic inspiration. There he is seen playing with some logical term, which his poetic skill makes scintilate with unexpected meanings; again he is found advocating some logical theory, or dealing a quick feint at a heterodox opponent by a brilliant poetic figure, performing the miracle of making abstract logic blossom into concrete life."
"Though a Jaina ascetic, the poet possesses insight into politics, diplomacy and court-life, and is full of humaneness and a humour which often elicits a smile even from the modern reader. Yet he is a devoted Jaina, and takes every occasion, no matter if he has to create it himself, to plead for the doctrines of his religion. This he does with conviction and fervour, yet without fanaticism, for his broadmindedness allows him to utilise ideas of Hindu mythology whenever desirable, and his perfect poetic manners prevent him from transgressing the limits of polite polemics and good taste, even when tackling an opponent."
"Being a Jaina Sādhu, and as such plighted to absolute poverty and abstinence from worldly enjoyments, it can only have been the love for his faith and zeal for its aggrandisement which prompted him to compose this secular panegyric, making no secret of his intention to please a royal patron and gain his