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An investigation of the earlier subject matter of ...
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To conclude, it can be maintained that the Praśnavyākarana containing the subject matter similar to the subject matter of Rşibhāṣita, is the oldest edition most probably composed in 3rd century BC. Then in 2nd-3d century A.D. the matter pertaining to occult sciences were included to it as informed by Sthānanga. After that, parts like Rșibhāșita etc. were separated from it in 4'h century A.D., and was transformed into a text of occult sciences as proved by Samavāyānga. According to Āgamic literature during this period several texts were in existence with different readings bearing the nomenclature of "Praśnavyākarana'. The present edition of Pras'navyākaraṇa with the description of influx and stoppage of Karmic matter came into existence only in 6th century AD. As regards the two extinct editions of Praśnavyākaraṇa, the maximum portion of the first edition though with some alterations is included in available Rşibhāṣita, Uttarādhyayana, Sūtrakritānga and Jñātādharmakathā. The second edition related to occult sciences could be traced in available Jayapāhuţa and Pras'navyākaraņa. I hope scholars will undertake a serious research to facilitate the subject matter of Pras'navyäkarana more precisely.
References:
1. Samavāyānga-sútra, 546 2. văgaraṇaganthão pabhiti..., Isibhāsiyāim, 31 3. Shãnẵnga-sutra 10/116 4. Praśnavyākarana-sūtra 5. Samavāyānga-sūtra, 546-549 6. Tattvārthavārtika, 1/20, p. 73-74 7. Dhavalā, Part I p. 107-8. 8. Isibhāsiyāim, Adhyayana-31 9. Sthānārga-sūtra, 9 10. coyālīsaṁ ajjhayaņa isibhāsiyā diyalogcuyā bhāsiyā paņņattā.
Samavāyānga-sūtra, 44/258
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