Preservation and Documentation of Jaina Teachings:

• Initially preserved through oral tradition, where monks memorized scriptures.
• Over time, significant knowledge was lost or corrupted, which led to the decision to document the teachings.
• The word canon is often felt inadequate in the Jaina context as it implies a rigid body of texts. Instead, Jaina texts like Siddhanta and Agama denote flexible traditions that are open to reinterpretation and change.
• The primary documentation of Jaina teachings happened in the 5th or 6th century CE at a council in Vallabhi, Gujarat, presided over by Devarddhi Kshamashramana.

Jaina Canon:

• The early Jain scriptures are written in the Prakrit dialect of Ardh-Magadhi.
• These early texts are called Siddhanta (what has been handed down) or Agama (tradition).
• The canon includes early compilations such as Acharanga Sutra, Sutrakritanga, and Kalpasutra, which are regarded as foundational texts of Jainism.

Jain Sectarian Split:

• Around the 3rd century CE, Jainism split into two major sects: Digambara (Sky-clad or naked) and Shvetambara (Clad in White).
• Both sects follow different religious practices, and their views on certain doctrinal aspects differ. For instance, Digambaras believe the original Angas (sacred texts) are lost, while Shvetambaras believe they have been preserved.

Ganadharas and Compilation of Angas:

• Lord Mahavira’s immediate disciples were known as Ganadharas. These were mendicants who possessed perfect knowledge, known as keval-gyan.
• Mahavira’s teachings were compiled by these Ganadharas into 12 main texts known as Angas (limbs), which form the core of Jaina literature.

Additional Scriptures – Angbahyas:

• Jaina texts also include supplementary scriptures called Angbahyas (outside of Angas). These are further classified into:
  • Upangas: Secondary texts providing further explanation of Angas.
  • Prakirnas: Miscellaneous scriptures discussing independent subjects.
  • Cheda Sutras: Scriptures concerning monastic discipline and the conduct of monks and nuns.
  • Mula Sutras: Essential scriptures for monks and nuns to study at the start of their religious life.

Digambara Canon:

• The Digambara sect has a separate canon known as Siddhanta.
• The two main sects have slightly different versions of Tattvartha Sutra, a key Jaina text that contains the main doctrines of the faith.

Divine Sound (Divya-dhvani):

• When a Jina (omniscient being) attains enlightenment, he transmits his teachings through a divine sound (samavasarana).
• The Digambara and Shvetambara sects interpret this divine sound differently:
  • Digambaras believe it is an unarticulated monotone, similar to the sound of OM.
  • Shvetambaras believe it is a human language (Ardha-Magadhi Prakrit), understood by all beings, even animals.

Non-Canonical Literature:

• Jaina works also include a vast body of non-canonical texts in languages like Prakrit and Sanskrit.
• Jaina Puranas (hagiographies) are important texts that narrate the lives of the Tirthankaras (Jaina saints). Notable works include:
  • Adi Purana (9th century), which details the life of Rishabha (Adinatha), the first Jaina Tirthankara.
  • Harivamsha Purana (8th century), a Jaina version of the stories of Krishna, Balarama, and the Pandavas.
  • Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana by Jinasena and Gunabhadra (9th century), which discusses dreams, life-cycle rituals, the duties of kings and warriors, and the lives of Jaina saints.
  • Parishishtaparvan by Hemachandra (12th century), which includes political history and an account of Jaina teachers.

Lyrical Poetry and Hymns:

• Jaina literature is rich in lyrical poetry, hymns, and kathas (didactic stories). These texts are written in various languages, including Prakrit, Sanskrit, Apabhramsha, and Kannada.
• These texts not only provide insight into Jaina religious doctrine but also reflect the cultural history of the periods in which they were written.

Study of Jaina Texts:

• Despite the wealth of Jaina literature, it has not received as much scholarly attention as Buddhist texts.
• Jaina texts offer valuable insights into the historical, cultural, and doctrinal development of Jainism and its interactions with rival schools of thought.