Sruta Sarita

The provided text is the table of contents and a selection of essays from Śruta-Saritā (श्रुत-सरिता), a collection of papers by Dalasukh Malavania, edited by Jitendra B. Shah and published by Shreshthi Kasturbhai Lalbhai Smaraknidhi in association with Sharadaben Chimanbhai Educational Research Centre in 2001.

The book is a significant compilation of scholarly articles focusing on various aspects of Jainism, particularly its philosophy, history, and the life of Lord Mahāvīra. The essays are presented in English, Gujarati, and Hindi, reflecting a broad engagement with the subject matter.

Here's a summary of the key themes and areas covered by the English section of the book, based on the provided table of contents and the sampled text:

I. Foundations of Jain Philosophy and Early Canonical Texts:

• Beginnings of Jaina Philosophy in the Ācārāṅga: This essay likely explores the philosophical concepts present in the earliest Jain canonical text, the Ācārānga. It suggests that early Jain philosophy was not entirely divorced from Vedic traditions, noting the use of Vedic terms and concepts, and highlights the presence of ideas like the migration of the soul, the acceptance of karma, and the distinction between the soul (jīva) and non-soul (ajīva). It also touches upon the developing concept of categories, noting that the list of seven or nine tattvas was not yet fixed.

II. Life and Epithets of Lord Mahāvīra:

• Epithets of Lord Mahāvīra in Early Jaina Canons: This paper traces the various titles and epithets used for Lord Mahāvīra in early Jain canonical literature, comparing them with those found in Pali Pitakas. It discusses how certain epithets evolved into names and the potential chronological significance of these variations, suggesting that Ācārānga Part I might be earlier than the Pali Pitakas.
• Tīrthankara Mahāvīra: This section likely delves into the historical and mythological aspects of Mahāvīra's life, his role as a Tīrthankara, and his teachings.
• Life of Lord Mahāvīra (A Summary): This essay aims to provide a historical overview of Mahāvīra's life, acknowledging the mythological elements present in later accounts and seeking clues for a more factual reconstruction. It highlights the earliest descriptions in Ācārānga, the development of the life story in Kalpasūtra and later canonical works, and the influence of mythology and previous birth stories. It also addresses the debate about whether Mahāvīra was the founder of Jainism, arguing that he organized his own order and that the Pāli Pitakas' attribution of four vows to Mahāvīra, when they were preached by Pārśva, indicates the existence of Pārśva's order.
• A Note on Lord Mahāvīra's Clan: This piece investigates the origin and significance of the clan associated with Lord Mahāvīra, particularly the "Nāta" or "Jñāti" clan, and its relation to the Kshatriya varna, exploring potential links to the "Nāga" Sanskritization and resolving apparent contradictions in early canonical texts regarding his caste.
• Some of the Common Features in the Life Stories of the Buddha and Mahāvīra: This comparative study draws parallels between the lives of Lord Mahāvīra and Lord Buddha, examining common themes such as the story of bearing the seed for future enlightenment, divine adoration, dreams, birth circumstances, naming conventions, schooling, marriage, exhortations by gods, and the conquest of Māra.
• Jaina Theory and Practice of Non-Violence: This essay focuses on the central Jain tenet of ahimsā (non-violence), both in its theoretical underpinnings and its practical application within Jainism. It contrasts Jain ahimsā with Vedic practices and discusses the emphasis on intention and mindfulness in preventing harm, even when physical injury might be unavoidable. It also touches upon vegetarianism as a practical manifestation of ahimsā.
• Fundamentals of the Jaina Code of Conduct: This article explores the ethical principles of Jainism, placing them in the context of Vedic and Buddhist codes. It examines the metaphysical basis of Jain ethics, particularly the doctrine of Anekāntavāda, and how it informs their ethical framework. It highlights the role of right knowledge and circumspection (apramāda) in ethical living, and the emphasis on the cessation of activities (nivrtti) as a path to liberation.
• The Story of Bharata and Bāhubalī: This piece recounts the famous Jain narrative of the conflict between Emperor Bharata and his brother Bāhubalī, exploring the various literary sources and stages of development of this story, from early canonical texts like Vasudevahindi and Jambūdvīpaprajñapti to later Purāṇic accounts and sectarian interpretations.

III. Other Significant Themes:

• Prohibition and Indian Culture: This essay examines the historical efforts for prohibition in India, focusing on the contributions of Vedic, Jain, and Buddhist traditions in advocating for abstinence from intoxicating drinks, and their influence on Indian culture.
• The Jaina Concept of the Deity: This article explores the Jain understanding of divinity, distinguishing it from the Vedic concept of gods and highlighting the focus on perfected human beings (Arhats and Tirthankaras) as objects of worship. It discusses the development of the concept of Tirthankaras and their role as spiritual guides.
• Prajñāpanā and Satkhandāgama: This essay compares two significant Jain philosophical texts, Prajñāpanāsūtra and Satkhandāgama, analyzing their common source in Dṛṣṭivāda, their different styles of presentation, and their focus on living beings (Jiva) versus karma. It discusses their methodologies, the role of 'padas' and 'khandas', and the evolution of philosophical thought within Jainism.
• Study of Titthogāliya: This paper discusses the content and nature of the 'Titthogāliya' (Tīrthodgalika), an important but largely unpublished Jain text that deals with the degradation of Jain Tirthas (religious traditions) over time. It examines its canonical status, its Śvetāmbara origins, and provides a detailed summary of its extensive contents, tracing the cycles of time and the lineage of Tirthankaras.
• On Bhadreśvara’s Kahāvalī: This article focuses on Bhadreśvara's extensive narrative work, the Kahāvalī, highlighting its significance as one of the few Jain Universal Histories extending beyond the 24 Tirthankaras. It discusses its manuscript tradition, the author's dating, and provides a detailed list and analysis of the numerous stories collected within the work, drawing from various literary traditions.
• The Word Pūjā and Its Meaning: This essay investigates the meaning of the term 'pūjā' in Jain Anga literature, particularly in relation to monastic conduct. It clarifies that in the context of monks, 'pūjā' refers to showing respect and providing necessities like clothes, rather than idol worship. It differentiates 'pūjā' from 'dāna' and notes that the term 'arcā' is used for idol worship.
• Lord Mahāvīra's Anudhārmika Conduct: This paper discusses the concept of 'anudharmika' conduct in Jainism, suggesting it refers to following traditional law or custom. It examines Mahāvīra's adherence to tradition, even when seemingly impractical, such as keeping a cloth for thirteen months, and its connection to the practices of previous Tirthankaras and the influence of Pārśva's tradition.
• A Note on the Word Pratyekabuddha in Jainism: This article explores the concept of 'Pratyekabuddha' within Jainism, noting its presence in later canonical works and suggesting that the idea might have originated with the Buddhists before being adopted into Jain thought. It references canonical texts and commentaries to support this analysis.
• Review of "Prasastapādabhāsya with Sridhara's Nyāyakandali": A critical review of a scholarly edition and translation of a key text in Indian philosophy, offering suggestions for future editorial practices.
• Review of "Early Madhyamika in India and China": A positive review of Richard H. Robinson's work, highlighting its significant contribution to understanding the Madhyamika school and its development in China.

The inclusion of Gujarati and Hindi sections indicates that the book aims to provide a comprehensive scholarly resource for a wider audience interested in Jain studies. The overall content points to a deep dive into the philosophical and historical aspects of Jainism, with a particular emphasis on tracing the development of its core concepts and the life of its key figures.