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A reader's key to the text on Samyaktva
The study of sacred texts and their commentarial traditions can take many forms. The present author bypasses the various contestations of which texts constitute canonical Jain scripture for which sect, and uses intrinsic criteria in his selection of relevant text passages. Not content with the wide-spread attitude that one can gain merit and rub off obstructing karma by performing good deeds or even having someone else perform good deeds, nor with the soothing lay-person's statement that one need not really understand the recited texts listening to the entire recitation would be merit enough - he sets off on another course.
He focuses on one particular key notion, samyaktva, throughout the available texts, and attempts to come to an ever deeper understanding of it by listening attentively to what the various scriptural sources may have to add to the basic interpretations. This turns out to be an ambitious enterprise. Its rich outcome is presented in two long chapters: preliminary understanding (1.1.1) and advanced study (1.1.2). In chapter four (1.4) the treasure trove of Jain textual sources referred to in the two preceding chapters is opened up in full detail. We find, at a glance, three main categories of canonical texts used in this section: samyaktva in the Svetambara Agamas, in the Digambara Āgamas, and in philosophical texts. In the subsequent bibliography all references are arranged in alphabetical order.
Well aware of the density and complexity of his chosen subject, the author made various choices to accommodate the reader and ease communication. He uses the popular transliteration instead of the academic one: agama is spelled as aagama; sutra as suutra; and paksi as pakshii.
In order to keep the quoted text clearly distinguished from explanatory interpretations he uses double accolades: shukla pakshii (light hues of the soul.
