Buddhist and Jain Scriptures in Sanskrit

Introduction

Buddhist and Jain Scriptures in Sanskrit represent profound spiritual and philosophical traditions. These texts, composed in classical Sanskrit, offer insights into the teachings, practices, and philosophies of Buddhism and Jainism, shaping the cultural and intellectual landscape of ancient India.

Buddhist Scriptures In Sanskrit

• The ‘Buddhacharita’ by Asvaghosha was written in the early second century. It is an epic poem written about the life of Gautam Buddha and his teachings.
• Mahavibhasa Sastra is a Mahayana text, written in 150 AD that contains discussions about other non-Buddhist philosophies also.
• Lotus Sutra is also known as the “Saddharma Puṇḍarika Sutra“. It is a key scripture in Mahayana Buddhism.
• Abhidharmamoksha was written by Vasubandhu. It contains a discussion on Abhidharma (commentaries on the Law).
• Udanavarga contains the compilation of utterances of Buddha and his disciples.

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Jain Scriptures In Sanskrit

• Upamitibhava Prapancha Katha was composed by Siddharasi in 906 AD and is often called the “Tale of Upamiti Bhava“.
• Tattvartha-sutra: It was composed by Umaswati during the 2nd-5th century AD, addressing logic, epistemology, ethics, and astronomy. 
  • Both the Digambara and Svetambara sects accepted the text. 
• Shantinatha Charitra is an important Jain text concerning the 16th Tirthankara Shantinatha, written in Sanskrit and recognised as a global treasure by UNESCO.
• Adipurana is written by Digambara monk Jinasena. It narrates the lives of the first twenty-two Tirthankaras.
• Samantbhadra’s work (Digambar scholar)
  • Ratna Karanda Sravakachara
  • Aptamimansa is a treatise which discusses the Jaina view of reality, dealing with the concept of omniscience and its attributes.
• Acharya Jinasena’s work (Digamabara monk)- Maha Purana and Harivamshapurana.

Conclusion

• Buddhist and Jain Scriptures in Sanskrit serve as invaluable repositories of wisdom, guiding followers on paths of enlightenment and ethical living. 
  • The enduring significance of Buddhist and Jain Scriptures in Sanskrit underscores their profound impact on Indian spirituality and philosophical thought.