Jain literature: Origins, Texts and Features

Introduction

Jain literature comprises a vast corpus of texts spanning diverse genres such as scriptures, commentaries, biographies, and philosophical treatises. These texts, written in various ancient Indian languages including Prakrit, Sanskrit, and Apabhramsha, serve as primary sources for Jain teachings, rituals, and ethical guidelines.

Key Features

• Earliest important works of Jainas were composed in Apabhramsa.
• Language: They abandoned Sanskrit and adopted Prakrit to preach their doctrines and Ardha-Magadhi (the language of the common people) to compose their religious texts.
  • The adoption of Prakrit influenced regional languages like Sauraseni, which gave rise to Marathi.
• Principle: Jain literature is called ‘Aagam’ (Principle). 
  • It consists of 12 Angas, 12 Upanga, 10 Prakiran, 6 Ched Sutras, 4 Mool Sutra, 2 Chulika Sutra.

• Every Anga has Upanga, which provides the description of the universe, classification of beings, astronomy, time division, description of posthumous life, etc. 
• 10 Prakirna are the supplements to major texts.
• Ched Sutra contains a compilation of rules for Jain monks. 
  • Six Ched Sutra are- Jitakalpa, Brihatkalpa, Nishith, Mahnishith, Vyavhar (Behavior) and Aachar Dasha. 
• The Mool Sutra contains sermons of Jainism, life in the forest, duties of the monks, rules of Yam, etc. 
  • The four Mool Sutra are – Dashvaikalik, Utaradhyayan, Shadavshayak and Pindniryukti or Pakshik Sutra.
• The two Chulika Sutras (Nandi-sutra and Anuyagadvara-Sutra) are independent texts of Jains, which are a kind of encyclopedia. In these texts, moral stories have been written for monks.
• Tamil Literature: Naladiyar, Palamoli, Jivaka Chinthamani, Yapperunkalam Karikai, and Neelakesi are some of the prominent Jaina works.

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Conclusion

• Jain literature stands as a rich repository of wisdom, offering profound insights into the Jain worldview, ethics, and spiritual practices. 
  • Preserved and transmitted through generations, these texts continue to inspire and guide Jain practitioners on the path of non-violence, truthfulness, and spiritual liberation.