Tattvartha sutra

Author(s): Umaswati, Umaswami, D S Baya
Publisher: Agam Ahimsa Samta Evam Prakrit Samsthan

Page 36

INTRODUCTION : XXXV
and the 3rd century AD.
From the above mentioned, it can be deduced within the acceptable limits of reason that Umāsvāti's period was sometime between the first century BC and the fifth century AD.
Vācaka Umāsvāti's Learning -
Vācaka Umāsvāti, the first known author of the Jaina religio-philosophical works in the Samskrta language, is accredited with a profound knowledge of Jaina canons on the subjects of the Right-knowledge (Jņāna), the knowledgeworthy (Jñeya), the Right--conduct (Ācāra), Cosmography, etc. The way in which he has composed the Tattvārtha Sūtra in the form of concise and deft sanskrta aphorisms testifies to his mastery over this language of the contemporary scholastic works. He abundantly justifies his traditional title of Vācaka', which means 'learned in the Pre-canons (Pūrvas)'.
A detailed study of the Tattvārtha’and its 'Bhāsya’reveals his deep study and understanding of not only the Jaina canonical literature but also those of other philosophies such as Nyāya, Vaiśesika, Yoga, Buddhists, etc.
Although the Śvetāmbara tradition believes him to be the author of five hundred books and, though, even now some works are known to be his creations, it is not possible to say anything with certainty in this regard. However, based on the linguistic analysis and thought process behind its contents, the ‘Praśamarati Prakarana' is certainly his work.'' Siddhasena also confirms this view.
19 Preface to Tattvārtha Sūtra, Sukhlal Sanghvi, pp. 16, 17.