Some Jaina Canonical Sutras c2.1

c2.1

When I began my study of Jain texts I felt the urgent need of consulting some of the important Buddhist texts and commentaries to clear up some intricate points. In this monograph I have tried to present a critical account of the principal Jain canonical texts in the light of my comparative study of both Buddhist and Jain texts. As regards the contents of the Jain canonical sūtras, they are traditionally known as the pravacanas of the Jinas, particularly those of Mahāvīra, precisely as the main contents of the Pali Nikāyas are known as the sayings of the Buddhas, particularly those of Gautama. Their chief interest, therefore, lies in the clear presentation of various topics relating to the lives of the Jinas and their teachings. An attempt has been made here to acquaint the reader with the fundamentals of early Jainism as outlined in the Jain canon as well as some other interesting and relevant information.