Philosophy In Jain Agams: Samavāyāṅga

As Sthānāṅga, Samavāyāṅga is also a text that contains various subjects on Jainism. This is the fourth text of dvādaśāṅgī.  Its name is very appropriate because it encapsulates a collection (samavāya) of several subjects. Even its sub sections are called by the name samavāya. First samavāya introduces the subjects that are one in number. Similarly, second chapter explores two numbered facts or substances or realities and the third chapter includes facts with three numbered range and this series goes up to 150, 200, 250, 300 and so on and finally reaches the maximum of millions and millions of sāgaropama. Here, the numeric based Samavāyāṅga comes to an end. The actual part of Samavāyāṅga is only this much. Beyond this, there is the chapter of Dvādaśāṅgas and after that there is a collection of different subjects. Hence, this text is a kind of compilation. Many important topics have been compiled in this text.^[1] Its composition style is similar to that of Sthānāṅga. This is a special kind of encyclopaedic text.

Contents

In this text, dvādaśāṅgī, pūrva literature and prakīrṇaka literature have been discussed. Astronomy, geography, Brāhmi writing, Art, Śirsa prahelikā (the largest number in Jaina mathematics which has 194 digits) various mathematical topics, karma, action and many other subjects are included here.

Information of historical facts is also found in the text as it states that Lord Mahavira answered fifty four questions in one sitting. In the same manner, there is another description that Lord Mahavira preached fifty five chapters of kalyāṇa phala vipāka- auspicious results of karma and fifty five chapters of dukkha phala vipāka -inauspicious results of karma in the last night before salvation.^[2] After preaching these, he attained salvation. Many such facts are presented in this Āgama. The author and the period of composition is similar to that of Sthānāṅga, hence, it should be comprehended accordingly.

Importance of Sthānāṅga and Samavāyāṅga

Sthānāṅga and Samavāyāṅga maintain their importance due to their multi-dimensional contents. Stating Sthānāṅga's and Samavāyāṅga's importance Vyavahāra Sūtra mentions that only those proficient in Sthānāṅga and Samavāyāṅga can become eligible for the post of an Acharya, upādhyāya and gaṇavacchedaka etc.^[3]