Philosophy In Jain Agams: Philosophical Contents in Sūtrakṛtāṅga

As mentioned before, this text deals with the various doctrines of the Jain tradition and also of other faiths. It deals with various philosophical beliefs prevalent in those days. Kriyāvāda, Akriyāvāda, Ajñānavāda and Vinayavāda are introduced and well described in this text. Moreover, various other belief systems like Pañcabhūtavāda, Ekātmavāda, Tajjīva-tat-śarīravāda, niyativāda and other philosophical concepts have also been illustrated in this text.^[1] In light of these beliefs, the Jain view point can be clearly appreciated.

The very first verse of the first chapter of this text expresses the significance of the reconciliation of knowledge and conducts as espoused by the verse Bujjhejjā tiuṭṭejjā, (know and break the bondage). Jain philosophy neither gave due importance to knowledge nor to conduct in particular. It maintains that both knowledge and conduct are equally valuable for liberation. Such expressions are found in this text. In this verse, the path of liberation has been propounded.^[2]

Soul transmigrates in the world due to karma. The cause of transmigration in this world is karma and the main cause of the bondage of karma is violence and possession. Committing violence is primarily for acquisition of possession. Violence is the result and the instinct of possession is its cause. This fact has been discussed in this āgama.

The adjectives used in the eulogy of Lord Mahavira also express the philosophical ideas such as sarvajñatā (omniscience). Epithets like anantanāṇī, anantacakkhū etc. also indicate towards the acceptance of omniscience.^[3] It highlights many other philosophical beliefs that are to be discussed in the forthcoming chapters of this book.