Jain literature

Jain Agamas

Chandragupta Maurya and Bhadrabahu

Samosarana Mahaviras enlightenment

Suryaprajnapati Sutra

Acharya Pushpadant

Acharya KundaKunda

Jain literature comprises the sacred texts and the philosophical literature of the Jain religion. Originating in ancient India, this body of literature is written in several languages, including Sanskrit, Prakrit, Tamil, and more recently, Hindi and Gujarati. Jain literature is vast and encompasses a wide range of texts, including scriptures, commentaries, poetry, and philosophical works.

Canonical Texts

The earliest Jain texts were transmitted orally and are known as the Agamas. These scriptures, which were codified in the early centuries CE, form the core of Jain religious teachings. The Agamas are divided into two main sects: the Svetambara and the Digambara. The Svetambara canon consists of 45 texts, including 11 Angas, 12 Upangas, and various other texts such as Mula Sutras, Cheda Sutras, and Prakirnakas. The Digambara sect does not recognize the Svetambara texts as canonical and has its own literature, including the Satkhandagama and the Kasayapahuda.

Secondary Texts

In addition to the Agamas, there is a vast body of secondary literature that includes commentaries on the scriptures, philosophical treatises, poetry, and narratives. These texts explore the ethical, philosophical, and metaphysical aspects of Jainism. Prominent among these are the Tattvartha Sutra, a comprehensive treatise on Jain philosophy by Umaswati, and the Kalpa Sutra, which details the biographies of the Tirthankaras, particularly Mahavira.

Literature in Regional Languages

Jain literature is not limited to Sanskrit and Prakrit. Over the centuries, a significant body of literature has been produced in various regional languages. For example, Tamil Jain literature includes works like the Civaka Cintamani and the Naladiyar, which are esteemed for their literary merit as well as their religious significance. In the medieval period, Jain authors in languages like Kannada and Gujarati made substantial contributions to both religious and secular literature.

Modern Developments

In the modern era, Jain literature has continued to evolve, with scholars and religious leaders writing in Hindi, Gujarati, and English. These works often aim to make the teachings of Jainism accessible to a broader audience and address contemporary issues through a Jain lens.

Significance

Jain literature is not only significant for its religious content but also for its contributions to Indian culture, philosophy, and literature. It offers insights into the ethical and philosophical underpinnings of Jainism, such as ahimsa (non-violence), aparigraha (non-attachment), and anekantavada (non-absolutism). Furthermore, Jain texts are valuable resources for understanding ancient Indian history, languages, and social practices.

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