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Jain Sources
Of the eleven Angas, Viyahapannatti usually called the Bhagavati-sūtra, which is the fifth Anga and the biggest of all, shall be our main source of material for the discussion of Pariņāma in the Agamas, as it, besides being antique in character, presents an exhaustive and lucid description of the varied questions metaphysical and ethical, which were being discussed since the time of Mahavira and even before that during the period of Pārsva. Thus both from the point of view of its subject-matter and its antique character the Bhagavai occupies a prominent place in the Agama literature. Other relevant old works such as Thaṇānga, Pannavaṇa, Ut. Su., Anuogaddara, Jivabhigama containing references to metaphysical problems will also be consulted whenever necessary.
B
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The Darśana Perio 1
The Period of Umasvati and Kundakundacārya : (4th and 5th cent. A. D.)
As we shall see, the account of the Jain doctrines as found in the Agamas is descriptive in its treatment. The doctrines are simple, stated without any attempt at elaborate explanation or establishing anything on the basis of reasoning. Hence many terms and phrases are left unexplained. This development is to be found in the Darśana and the Tarka period. In the earliest dārganic texts viz., the Tattvärtha-sutra of Umasvati and the works of Kundakunda (which shall be presently noticed), we find the material of the Agamas systematised in such a way as to give a comprehensive view of all the doctrines of Jain philosophy. Though these texts do not show any essential difference from the doctrines of the Agamas, yet advance over the latter is discernible in so far as a certain clearness and accuracy of idea and expression, as will be seen, characterise them. However, for the subtle dialectical exposition and discussions, we shall have to go to the still later works of the Tarka period.
