Jainism And Its History

SR No.: 032590
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Sagarmal Jain
Publisher: Research Foundation for Jainology
Publication Year: 2018
Total Pages: 328
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 34 MB

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Jaina Agamas on this very theme, some independent works were also composed, particularly dealing with the ethical code of conduct of Jaina ascetics and lay-followers. Among these works, Umasvati’s ‘Sravaka-prajñapti' may be regarded as the first, but unfortunately it is also not available. In Digambara tradition, Mulācāra and Bhagavati Ārādhanā are the important works elaborately dealing with the code of conduct of Jaina monks and
nuns.
In my opinion, Mulācāra and Bhagavati Arādhanā basically belong to Yāpaniya tradition andnot to Digambara. I have proved this on the basis of multiple internal as well as external evidences in my book Jaina Dharma Ka Yāpaniya Sampradaya. In Digambara tradition Ratnakaranda Śravakācāra of Samantabhadra (c. 6th A. D.) is regarded as the first work composed on the ethical code of conduct for Jaina house-holders, however, its authorship is also a matter of dispute. In Svetambara tradition after 'Uvasagadasao', the seventh Anga of Jaina canons, 'Savayapannatti' by Haribhadra is the first available work, dealing with the code of conduct for Jaina laydevotees. Some independent works dealing with the atonement (Prayascitta) were also written in this period among which Jinabhadra’s ‘Jitakalpa' stands as the most important work. Later on, on the basis of Jitakalpa, Indranandi's Cedapinda-sastra and Chedasastra by unknown writer were composed in Yāpaniyatradition. Especiality of these two works lies in the fact that they not only prescribe the laws of the atonement for Jaina monks and nuns but for the male and female lay-devotees also.
JAINA NARRATIVE LITERATURE
Jaina narrative literature of this period is generally divided into five categories, viz. (i) biographies of the 63 illustrious
143 Jainism and its History