YJA Convention 2002 07 NJ Fifth

Author(s): Young Jains of America (YJA)
Publisher: Young Jains of America YJA USA

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Footprints & Echoes: Jain Writing at its Best
Pravin Shah
Lord Mahavir's preaching was orally compiled into many texts (Sutras) by his disciples. Collectively these texts are called Jain canonical or Agam literature. During the course of time many acharyas (elder monks) compiled commentaries on the various subjects of the Agam literature. Traditionally these sutras were orally pass on from teachers (acharyas or gurus) to the disciples for several centuries. These sutras were documented about 1000 years after Lord Mahavir nirvan.
traditions and religious lore ⚫ Charananuyoga deals with the rules of conduct of the ascetics and the laity, including ritual and devotional compositions • Karananuvoga - deals with metaphysics and
Jaina intellectuals have not only shown their keen interest in creating literature but also in its preservation. The institution of manuscript-libraries (Shastra bhandars) has
The entire literature of Jains is classified into 4 helped the preservation and dissemination of Jain works. 'Anuyogas": Jain literature forms a valuable part of India's literary
◆ Prathamanayoga deals with historical heritage. In their wonderful collections they have preserved not only the Jaina literature but also that belonging to the vedic and the Buddhist traditions as well. The old collections at Jasalmer, Patana, Khambhata, Limbdi, Jaipur, Bikaner, Ahmedabad, Sravanabelagola, Moodbidri, etc. are worth seeing. Among them are thousands of books on leafy papers (Tada - patras) and thousands of paintings representing the best in Jaina Art.
cosmology
• Dravyanuyoga - deals with pure philosophy and mysticism
The literature they have created is on varied themes (subjects). They have written on matters concerning Spirituality, Yoga, Metaphysics, Philosophy. Logic, Poetry, Drama, History, Purana, Ethics, Economics,
notes:
Grammar, Lexicography, Prosody literary criticism, Geography, Astronomy, Mathematics, Astrology, Medicinal Science, Mantra, Tantra, Music, and Diamondology.
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Jains have handsomely contributed to the development of almost all the ancient, mediaeval and modern Indian languages literary styles and forms.
In the development of Indian literature and culture, Jain ascetics and scholars have made unique contribution in various philosophical, social, and cultural subjects. Their contribution in the areas of painting, art, architectures, and iconography are very significant.
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