Agama And Tripitaka Comparative Study

This book, "Agama And Tripitaka: A Comparative Study" by Nagaraj Muni, Volume 1: History & Tradition, offers a comprehensive comparative analysis of the Jaina and Buddhist canonical literatures. The author, Muni Shri Nagarajaji, aims to highlight common themes and examine the historical and traditional aspects of both traditions.

Key Aspects Covered:

• Contemporaneity of Mahavira and Buddha: The book delves into the historical context of Mahavira and Buddha, acknowledging their status as contemporaries and discussing the various other religious teachers of that era mentioned in both canons, such as Purna Kasyapa, Makkhali Gosala, Ajitakesa Kambala, Prakudha Katyayana, and Samajayabelattha Putra.
• Chronology and Dates: A significant portion of the work is dedicated to critically examining the conflicting traditional information and scholarly controversies surrounding the dates of Mahavira and Buddha's nirvana. Muni Nagarajaji surveys accessible material and various traditions, ultimately proposing that Mahavira attained nirvana in 527 BC and Buddha in 502 BC.
• Biographical Details: The book presents detailed accounts of the lives of Mahavira and Buddha, their eminent pupils, and contemporary kings like Srenika Bimbisara, Kunika, Chanda Pradyota, Pra senajit, and Chetaka.
• Doctrines and Practices: Muni Nagarajaji reviews important topics, doctrines, and moral principles connected with Jainism and Buddhism as found in their respective canons.
• Source Material and Methodology: The author meticulously surveys the Jaina Agama (Ganapitaka) and the Buddhist Tripitaka, analyzing their contents and highlighting their similarities and differences. The review mentions that the author has used approximately 300 books directly and consulted an even larger number, demonstrating the exhaustive nature of the research.
• Historical Context and Social Conditions: The study sheds light on the political and social conditions of the era, discussing the interactions between the Sramana and Brahmana traditions, and the internal divisions within the Sramana cult (Jainism and Buddhism).
• Criticism of Interpretations: The book engages with various scholarly interpretations, particularly those of Western scholars, and offers critical analyses, such as challenging the idea of Mahavira and Buddha being the same personality or refuting certain dating methodologies.
• Emphasis on Jainism's Seniority: The comparative analysis at times suggests Jainism's seniority over Buddhism based on the treatment of Mahavira and his followers in Buddhist texts and the silence of Jaina texts on Buddha. This is further supported by instances where Mahavira is described as senior or having attained liberation prior to Buddha in the Tripitakas.
• Gosala's Influence and Teachings: A substantial part of the book is dedicated to Gosalaka, the founder of the Ajivaka sect, discussing his life, doctrines (niyati-vada, samsara-suddhivada), his relationship with Mahavira, and his portrayal in both Jaina and Buddhist sources.
• Previous Births and Prophecies: The text explores the concept of previous births and prophecies regarding Mahavira and Buddha, noting similarities in how their future enlightenments were foretold.
• Monastic Orders and Disciples: The book details the monastic orders of both Mahavira and Buddha, discussing their initiations, the prominent disciples (monks and nuns), and the socio-religious background influencing their adherence.
• Controversial Figures: The work examines figures like Devadatta (Buddha's rival) and Gosalaka (Mahavira's rival), highlighting their defiance and opposition.
• Lay Followers (Upāsakas): The study presents accounts of prominent lay followers in both traditions, such as Ananda, Sulasa, Anathapindika, and Visakha, noting their contributions and the differences in how their discipleship is portrayed.

Overall Contribution:

"Agama And Tripitaka: A Comparative Study" by Muni Nagaraj Muni is a monumental work that critically examines the historical and traditional narratives within the Jaina and Buddhist canonical literatures. It aims to provide a balanced perspective by synthesizing information from both traditions, meticulously detailing the lives, teachings, and socio-political contexts of Mahavira and Buddha, and engaging with complex issues like chronology and the influence of one tradition on the other. The book is a valuable resource for scholars and students interested in the early history of Indian religions and the comparative study of these two major ascetic traditions.