मिथ्यात्व खण्डन - धर्मपरीक्षा की आधारभूमि

Summary

The text discusses the *Dharmaparīkṣā*, a satirical poem by the Jain ācārya Amitagati, composed around the 11th century. It is part of a larger tradition of *Dharmaparīkṣā* works, with Amitagati’s version being the most renowned. The work critiques one-sided narratives and doctrines from a Jain perspective, using a framework of non-absolutism and non-violence. The central narrative involves Prince Manovega, a Jain, who debates with his friend Pavanavega, a follower of a different faith, to guide him toward the right path. The text includes ten stories of “deluded” individuals and numerous other mythological tales, such as those of Bali, the cat, and the Pāṇḍavas, which are critically examined. Amitagati often creates parallel fictional stories to expose the absurdity of these myths, arguing that if improbable events in Purāṇas are accepted, his own invented tales should also be credible. The work also addresses philosophical themes. It discusses the nature of the world, emphasizing that only the soul is one’s true companion, and advocates for detachment from transient worldly pleasures. It refutes the concept of a creator god, arguing that a creator with passion cannot be divine or omniscient. The text defines an *āpta* (authoritative being) as one free from eighteen defects like hunger, fear, and attachment. It condemns violence in the name of religion, questioning how a non-violent goal can be achieved through violent means. Caste is rejected as a basis for worth, with conduct being the sole determinant of purity. The text also criticizes ritual bathing for purification, arguing that water cannot cleanse inner defilements like anger or karma. It upholds the existence of the soul, refuting materialist and Buddhist doctrines of no-self and momentariness. Finally, it advocates for abstaining from eating at night to protect non-violence and health. The *Dharmaparīkṣā* is thus a