Prachin Digambariya Grantho Me Swetambariya Agamo Ke Avataran - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text:

Book Title: Prachin Digambariya Grantho me Swetambariya Agamo ke Avataran (The Appearance of Svetambara Agamas in Ancient Digambara Texts) Author: Bechardas Doshi

This text, authored by Bechardas Doshi, argues that ancient Digambara scriptures frequently cite and reference the Agamas that are currently recognized by the Svetambara tradition. This indicates a shared scriptural heritage rather than a complete rupture between the two denominations from their inception.

Key Arguments and Evidence:

Early Jain Principle of Tolerance: The author begins by highlighting early Jain teachings, citing the Acharanga Sutra and Dashavaikalika Sutra, which emphasize that differences in attire (being clothed or unclothed) among ascetics do not negate their adherence to the Jinendra's teachings. This suggests that the outward appearance was not the primary defining factor of the Jain path. The Uttaraadhyayana Sutra is also quoted to show that disciples of Parshvanatha wore clothes, while those of Mahavira were unclothed, and the reason for this difference was to maintain the identifiable characteristics of a Nirgrantha and facilitate their spiritual journey. The core focus, as stated by Acharya Gautama, was on achieving liberation and purification of knowledge, perception, and conduct within this very life. Therefore, intelligent and neutral observers should not infer a fundamental doctrinal split solely based on such external differences.
Citations of Svetambara Agamas in Digambara Texts: The core of the argument rests on the explicit citations of texts now considered exclusively Svetambara in prominent Digambara works.
- Tattvartha Sutra by Umasvati/Umaswami: The commentary by Acharya Akalankadeva, the "Rajavartika," specifically cites the Vyakhyaprajnapti (Bhagavati Sutra) in its commentary on the 26th sutra of the fourth chapter ('Vijyadishu dvicharamaḥ'). Akalankadeva mentions that the Vyakhyaprajnapti contains dialogues where Bhagavan explained things in response to Gautama's questions. The author notes that such a Vyakhyaprajnapti is not available in the Digambara tradition, but it is precisely the fifth Anga of the Svetambara Agamas, the Bhagavati Sutra, which contains these question-answer sessions attributed to Gautama and Bhagavan. Akalankadeva also calls this Vyakhyaprajnapti "Arsha" (ancient and authoritative), further supporting the idea that he considered it an authentic scriptural source.
- Bhagavati Aradhana and its Commentary Vijayodaya: This highly respected Digambara text, particularly its commentary "Vijayodaya," cites numerous Agamas that are now primarily found in the Svetambara canon. These include:
  - Acharanga Sutra: The Vijayodaya commentary cites passages from the Acharanga Sutra regarding the acceptance of clothes and vessels, mentioning specific sections like the "Lokavichaya" chapter (second Adhyayana) and discussions on "Vastraishana" (quest for clothes) and "Patraishana" (quest for vessels) from the second Shruta Skandha. It even references the "Bhāvanā" Adhyayana and specific verses related to the acceptability of clothes in different seasons. The author points out that while some cited passages might appear slightly fragmented or impure in the original text, they strongly resemble and correspond to the existing Acharanga Sutra within the Svetambara tradition.
  - Sutrakritanga, Dashavaikalika, and Nishitha (Nishi): The Vijayodaya commentary also refers to the "Pundarika" Adhyayana of the Sutrakritanga, and the "Prāchārapraṇidhi" Adhyayana of the Dashavaikalika Sutra. It also contains citations from the Nishitha (Nishi) and Kalpa Sutras.
- Dhavala Commentary: The Dhavala commentary (on Shatkhandagama) is cited as acknowledging the authority of the Viyāhapaṇṇatti (Vyākhyāprajñapti) with the phrase "logō vāpadaṭṭhido tti viyāhapaṇṇattivacanādō" (meaning "it is said in the Vyākhyāprajñapti that the world is established by wind"). The author confirms that the current Vyākhyāprajñapti indeed states that the world is established by wind. Additionally, the Dhavala commentary quotes a verse that is identified as the twelfth verse of the ninth chapter of the Dashavaikalika Sutra.
Latter day Practices and Texts: The author also touches upon the continuity of certain practices and textual content.
- Pratikraman (Rituals of Confession/Repentance): The author mentions having a manuscript of a shorter Pratikraman text from the unclothed (Digambara) tradition which contains numerous mantras and formulas (like "Karemi Bhante!", "Logassa", "Tassuttari", "Annattha Usasiasena", "Iriyavahi") that are identical to those used in the clothed (Svetambara) tradition's Pratikraman. This suggests a shared ritualistic basis.
- Shramana Sutra: A book titled "Pratikraman Granthatrayi" contains a version of the Shramana Sutra whose text bears significant resemblance to the Svetambara tradition's Shramana Sutra. The commentary on this text was written by an ancient scholar named Shri Prabhachandra.

Conclusion:

The author, Bechardas Doshi, concludes that these instances demonstrate that the Agamas did not disappear or become lost. The entire Jain Sangha, encompassing both the unclothed (Digambara) and clothed (Svetambara) traditions, universally accepted these Agamas as authoritative and ancient (Arsha). The essay's purpose is to highlight this crucial point, illustrating the shared scriptural foundation of both major Jain denominations.