Tattvartha Sutra

Author(s): Umaswati, Umaswami, Manu Doshi
Publisher: Shrutratnakar Ahmedabad

Page 21

INTRODUCTION
The main differences between the Shwetämbar and the Digambar texts occur in four places. The first occurs in Adhyäy (chapter) three, where Sarvärthasiddhi has 21 additional sutras after sutra number 11. That does not alter the overall composition, because the additional sutras relate to the colors and other details of mountains, lakes, rivers, residents and such other geographical aspects of Jamboodweep, which is the center of middle level of Jain universe. The second occurs in Adhyäy four, where Shwetämbar version specifies 12 heavenly abodes, while Digambar version mentions 16. The third occurs in Adhyay five, where Shwetämbar version mentions Käl (Time) as being considered by some people as an independent substance, while Digambar version states it independent substance. The fourth occurs in Adhyäy eight, where Shwetämbar version mentions favorable situations, right perception, merriment, affection, male instinct, comfortable life style, good physique and noble family as resulting from wholesome bondage, whereas Digambar version does not refer to right perception, merriment, affection and male instinct as resulting from that bondage.
7
At two other places, while the texts remain identical, differences occur in interpreting the same. One pertains to the possibilities for binding of Pudgal (lifeless particles) described in Adhyay five. The other occurs in Adhyay nine, while discussing Parishahs (hardships) to be borne by the omniscient Lords. Both the texts specify twenty two such hardships. Digambar interpretation, however, emphasizes that though such physical hardships may occur, the omniscient Lords stay beyond the bodily sense and hence they do not experience the