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As to extant Literature, it is nearly at the end of the submerged tradition of Vira ond Gautama's Word (abut 600 B.C.), of the wisdom of the two Bhadrabaus (400 B. C.), and then forms the first glorious successor of the great works of Kundakundacharya (100 A. D.), and then looks forward about the same distance of time ahead to the learned and lucid Prakrit Gathas of Sri Nemi Chandra Siddhanta Chakravati. (1000 A D.)
IMPORTANCE AND SANCTITY OF TATVARTHA SUTRA
The book contains only 10 short chapters, but its value is in inverse proportion to its size It is revered both by the Digambara and Svatmbara sections of the Jain community. The whole of Jain philosophy is taught in it. There is no Jain doctrine or dogma, which is not expressed or implied in these aphorisms. Verily Tatvartha Sutra is a sacred epitome of Jainism
It is recited by millions of mouths every day, in temples and in private houses Indeed, it is held that one recitation of this book brings as much pious merit as a fast of one day.
दगाध्याये परिच्छिन्ने तत्वार्थे पठिते सति । फलंस्यादुपवासस्य भाषिनं मुनिपुंगवं ॥
It is deservedly the text-book of the religion of Tirthamkaras par excellence. How great and authoritative it is recognised to be will be further evident from the fact that it is perhaps the most commented-upon book in Jain Literature. No less than 31 commentaries of it are known to be extant now.
