Sacred Literature of the Jains

Summary

Albrecht F. Weber’s “Sacred Literature of the Jains” surveys the structure, contents and historical development of Jain canonical texts. Weber notes that early sources such as the Kalpasūtra discuss different schisms in the Jain community and mention sectarian leaders like Terasiyāsa and Koṭivarṣīya. He explains that the Jaina canon is divided into multiple categories: the twelve āgamas (aṅgas) are primary scriptures, supplemented by upāngas (secondary works), chedasūtras (disciplinary texts), mūlasūtras (fundamental manuals), prakīrṇas (miscellaneous works) and niryuktis/bhāṣyas (commentaries). The Śvetāmbara and Digambara traditions differ in their lists; Śvetāmbaras preserve eleven aṅgas and several upāngas, while Digambaras regard the canon as lost and rely on later texts like the Ṣaṭkhaṇḍāgama. Weber traces the historical development of these scriptures, noting that the earliest compilations were transmitted orally and later written down during councils, culminating in a redaction under Devardhigaṇi in the 5th century CE. He discusses the content of key aṅgas such as Ācārāṅga, which lays down rules of conduct for monks; Sūtrakṛtāṅga, which refutes rival philosophies; and the Kalpasūtra, which contains biographies of Tirthankaras, rules for monastic discipline and accounts of schisms. The upāngas expand on cosmology, karma, ontology and ethics, while the chedasūtras prescribe penances and disciplinary procedures. Weber also examines the role of commentaries (niryuktis and bhāṣyas) and later scholastic literature in preserving and interpreting the canon. He points out that many texts are now lost or fragmentary; for example, only titles of some upāngas survive in lists. Weber compares the Jaina canon to Buddhist and Brahmanical scriptural traditions, highlighting similarities and differences in structure and transmission. He emphasises that Jain literature is not merely doctrinal but encompasses poetry, mythology, cosmography and moral instructions, reflecting the community’s rich intellectual heritage. The article underscores the importance of textual criticism in reconstructing the canon and urges further research to identify lost works and study manuscripts scattered in libraries across India and abroad.