Nihnavas (Doubts in Jaina Texts)

Summary

In “Nihnavas (Doubts in Jaina Texts)”, Basistha Narayan Sinha examines the concept of nihnava, derived from roots meaning “to deny” or “to conceal,” to refer to doctrinal doubts raised by disciples in early Jain scriptures. Drawing primarily on the Sthānāṅga Sūtra, Sinha lists seven types of nihnavas and explains the historical circumstances in which each arose. Bahurata concerns a dispute over whether monastic action is completed when the body withdraws from a task or when intent ceases; the resolution clarifies that intention is paramount. Jivaprādeśika asks when a body becomes a living soul; after debate, teachers affirm that life begins when the senses are activated. Avyaktadṛṣṭi deals with people who disguise themselves as monks without observing discipline, and the text warns that such imposters must be exposed. Samuccheda presents Asvamitra’s belief in momentariness; the canonical response refutes the idea that the soul exists only momentarily and reasserts its permanence. Dvikriyā examines Aryaganga’s view that pleasure and pain can be felt simultaneously, which the elders reject on logical grounds. Trairāśika describes Rohagupta’s acceptance of three categories instead of the canonical six; teachers correct this by emphasising the completeness of the six dravya (substances). Abaddhika emerges from Gostamahila’s view that the soul and karma are unrelated; the resolution affirms the binding of karma to jīva. Sinha also mentions an eighth doubt, Votika, which stresses that total renunciation is necessary for liberation. Through storytelling and doctrinal analysis, the article demonstrates how early Jain teachers encouraged questioning but guided disciples back to orthodox interpretations. By cataloguing these doubts, Sinha shows that Jainism possesses an internal critical tradition and that doctrinal stability emerged through debate and clarification.