Jain Councils and Literature
This section delves into the pivotal Jain Councils and the foundational literature that shaped Jainism's philosophical and ethical framework. Understanding these aspects is crucial for grasping the historical development and doctrinal continuity of this ancient Indian religion.
The First Jain Council
The First Jain Council, held at Pataliputra (modern Patna) around the 4th century BCE, was a significant event in the history of Jainism. It was convened by Sthulabhadra, a prominent Jain monk, in response to a severe famine that led to the migration of many Jain ascetics to different regions. The primary objective was to compile and preserve the religious teachings and scriptures, which were largely transmitted orally.
The First Jain Council aimed to codify Jain scriptures amidst a famine.
Held at Pataliputra, this council sought to gather and organize the Jain Agamas, the sacred texts, which were in danger of being lost due to the famine and the subsequent dispersal of monks. The outcome was the compilation of the Angas and Upangas.
The famine caused considerable hardship, leading to a schism within Jainism. While some monks, led by Bhadrabahu, migrated south to Karnataka, others, led by Sthulabhadra, remained in Magadha. The council at Pataliputra attempted to reconstruct the lost scriptures based on the memory of the monks who had stayed. This led to the compilation of the twelve Angas, which form the core of the Svetambara canon. However, the Digambara sect, which believes that the original teachings were lost and that the current scriptures are not authentic, does not accept the Pataliputra council's conclusions.
The Second Jain Council
The Second Jain Council took place in Vallabhi (modern Gujarat) in the 5th or 6th century CE. This council was convened by Devardhigani Kshamashramana to finally compile and write down the Jain Agamas, which had been transmitted orally for centuries. The famine and the subsequent migrations had made oral transmission increasingly unreliable.
The Second Jain Council finalized the written form of the Jain Agamas.
At Vallabhi, the Jain Agamas were formally written down, ensuring their preservation. This event solidified the Svetambara canon and provided a definitive text for future generations.
The council at Vallabhi aimed to create a definitive and universally accepted version of the Jain scriptures. The proceedings involved extensive discussions and scholarly efforts to ensure accuracy and completeness. The resulting compilation is known as the Svetambara Agamas. The Digambara tradition, however, continues to maintain that the original scriptures were lost and that the texts compiled at Vallabhi are not the true Agamas.
Jain Literature: The Agamas and Beyond
Jain literature is vast and diverse, primarily centered around the Agamas, which are considered the authoritative scriptures. These texts cover a wide range of topics, including philosophy, ethics, cosmology, karma, and the lives of the Tirthankaras.
| Category | Description | Key Texts/Concepts |
|---|---|---|
| Agamas | The canonical scriptures of Jainism, believed to be the teachings of the Tirthankaras. | 12 Angas, 12 Upangas, 10 Prakirnakas, 6 Chedasutras, 4 Mulasutras, Anuyoga-dvarasutra, Nandisutra. |
| Non-Agamic Literature | Commentaries, philosophical treatises, devotional works, and stories written by Jain monks and scholars. | Tattvartha Sutra (Umaswati), Kalpa Sutra (Bhadrabahu), Acharanga Sutra, Sutrakritanga Sutra. |
| Languages | Primarily written in Ardhamagadhi Prakrit, with later works in Sanskrit, Apabhramsa, and regional languages. | Prakrit, Sanskrit, Old Gujarati, Tamil. |
The structure of Jain Agamas can be visualized as a hierarchical compilation. The Angas are the primary scriptures, followed by Upangas, Prakirnakas, Chedasutras, and Mulasutras. Each category contains specific texts that elaborate on Jain doctrine and practice. For instance, the Angas lay down the fundamental principles, while the Chedasutras deal with monastic discipline.
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Significance of Jain Councils and Literature
The Jain councils were crucial for preserving and systematizing the religious knowledge of Jainism. The literature produced and codified during and after these councils forms the bedrock of Jain philosophy and practice. It provides insights into the ethical principles, metaphysical concepts, and historical trajectory of Jainism, making it an indispensable area of study for understanding ancient Indian religious traditions.
The schism between Svetambara and Digambara traditions is largely rooted in their differing views on the authenticity of the scriptures compiled after the First Jain Council.
To compile and preserve Jain religious teachings and scriptures due to a famine.
The Digambara sect.
Vallabhi, in the 5th or 6th century CE.
The final compilation and writing down of the Jain Agamas.
Learning Resources
Provides a comprehensive overview of Jainism, including its history, philosophy, and key figures, with sections on councils and literature.
An in-depth resource detailing the Jain Agamas, their structure, content, and historical significance.
A blog post discussing the historical context and outcomes of the major Jain councils.
An academic article offering an introduction to the Jain Agamas and their importance in Jain tradition.
Britannica's concise overview of Jainism's history and its significant literary traditions.
Details the various types of Jain literature, including canonical and non-canonical works, and their evolution.
Information about the Tattvartha Sutra, a foundational text in Jain philosophy, often considered a bridge between different sects.
A BBC article providing a historical perspective on Jainism, touching upon its early development and scriptures.
A video explaining the significance of Jain councils and the formation of the Jain canon (Note: Replace with a real, relevant video URL if available).
An article offering a historical overview of Jainism, including its early councils and the development of its scriptures.