Tattvartha Sutra

Author(s): Umaswati, Umaswami, Vijay K Jain
Publisher: Vikalp

Page 7

PREFACE
charya Umāsvami was the Chief Disciple of Āchārya Kundkund- the most revered Acharya in the duşşama division of the present descending cycle of time, whose works have been possible to document and preserve. Acharya Umāsvami lived in the second century AD.1
A
The above cited work states that a special feature of Acharya Umāsvami's Tattvärthsūtra is that it is the first Jaina scripture written in the Sanskrit language. Most learned and venerable Acharyas including Shri Pujyapādasvami, Shri Akalankasvami, and Shri Vidhyanandisvami have written extensive commentaries on Tattvärthsūtra. Sarvarthasiddhi, Rajavārtika, Şlokavārtika, and Arthaprakāşika are all commentaries on this scripture. The work is of great value for the beginner as well as for the learned. Its composition has great charm. Each Sūtra is composed in least possible words and can easily be memorized. Many Jains recite these Sutras.
In his Foreword to Reality Professor A. Chakravarti writes: Sarvarthasiddhi by Shri Pujyapada is the oldest extant commentary on Tattvärthadhigama Sutra by Shri Umāsvami.
It is noted for its depth of thought and simplicity of expression. This famous work is a compendium of all aspects of Jaina Religion and Philosophy. The author's literary skill is evident in the charm and beauty of his style. His mastery of philosophic thought is clear from his lucid exposition of the complex reality. The greatness of the work can be realized from the fact that the great logician, Shri Akalanka Deva, thought it fit to base his well-known commentary of Rajavārtika on Sarvarthasiddhi.2
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