Source Book in Jaina Philosophy

Author(s): Devendramuni
Publisher: Tarak Guru Jain Granthalay

Page 42

A SOURCE-BOOK IN JAINA PHILOSOPHY
In the Stānānga, there is discussion of the important topics like, Ātman, Pudgala (matter), Jñāna and other topics, In the philosophical doctrines of Mahāvīra. there are references to Nihnavavāda which refers to the single point of approach or view of ekānta.
Samavāyānga contains discussions on topics like, Jñāna, Naya and Pramāņa etc., etc.
The Anuyogadvāra has a discussion of the connotation of the term and incidental references to pramāņa and naya and other principles.
In the commentaries (Tīkās) of these Āgamas we find vivid discussions on philosophical topics.
Among the commentators the names of Sanghadāsagani and Jinabhadragaņi are frequently mentioned. They lived in the 7th century of vikrama era. Jinabhadragaại has written an important commentary called Viśeşāvašyakabhāşya. Sanghadāsagaņi's Brhatkalpabhāşya is a classical work, which contains an exposition of the codes of conduct of śramaņa from the philosophical as well as argumentative points of view.
We cannot easily forget the name of Ācārya Haribhadra, a renowned Sanskệt commentator. He has written his commentary in Sanskst on the basis of the ancient cūrņis. In these commentaries he has made special use of philosophical discussions. We find the same feature in Malayagiri's commentary ; philosophical discourses have been employed in the work.
In the āgama literature, prominence has been accorded to epistemological and scientific discussions ; however the philosophical aspects has not received much attention as in religious literature other than the āgamas. The primary reason for this is that the āgama literature is mainly meant for sādhakas (seekers of truth). For the edification of the sādhakas, there are frequent repititions at many places. These āgamic works make special mention of the injunctions regarding the codes of conduct for the sādhakas. But in the later literature, importance has been been given to discussion of philosophical topics.
Tattvārthasūtra is the most important work of Ācārya Umāsvāti. It is a comprehensive philosophical work which discusses various