Rai Paseniya Suttam Part 02

Author(s): N V Vaidya
Publisher: Khadayata Book Depo

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In all, according to this divison, there are 78 works. But all the 78 works are not available; e. g. the twelfth Anga, afgang is long extinct. It should also be noted, that even the 45 works that constitute the canonical literature are regarded so by the Svetāmbaras only. In this connection, the following tradition should be noted.
« In the Second century after Mahāvīra's death, a very severe famine, lasting for twelve years, devastated the country of Magadha. At that time Chandragupta, the Maurya, was king of Magadha and Sthayira Bhadrabābu was the pontiff or head of the undivided Jain community. As a result of the famine Bhadrabābu, accompanied by a portion of the Jain community, emigrated into the Karnata, in the South of India. Sthavira Sthūlabhadra was at the head of the community that remained behind.
Towards the end of the famine (C. 300, B. C.), during the absence of Bhadrabābu, a council assembled at Pātaliputra (Modern Patna). This council collected the Jain Canon, consisting of the eleyen Angas and the fourteen Puyvas (Pūryas-Ancient texts). The Pūryas were included in the Twelfth Anga, Ditthiyāa (Ef2a1e). The famine also necessitated a change in the life, manners and customs of the community that had stayed in Magadha. The original practice of going nude was supplanted by the use of white garments (alfa). On the other hand, the emigrants, who were more zealous than their stay-at-home brethren, insisted on nudity. When therefore, on the restitution of peace and plenty the exiles returned to their country, this divergence in conduct became the main cause of disruption in the community. And thus the founda