Saman Suttam

rdf:langString Saman Suttam

rdf:langString Saman Suttam is the religious text created in 1974 by a committee consisting of representatives of each of the major sects of Jainism, Digambaras and Svetambaras, to reconcile the teachings of the sects. After a gap of about nearly two thousand years following composition of Tattvartha Sutra by Acharya Umasvati this was the first text to be recognized by all Jain sects. At Umaswati's time, although multiple orders existed, there was no clear sectarian division. By the 20th century however, Jainism had gradually been divided into several sects. For someone to compile a text at this time, and for it to be approved by all sects, was an exceptional event. Kshullak Jinendra Varni compiled a book, drawing from the original Prakrit (Ardhamagadhi etc.) texts, and as a result of efforts undertaken by Vinoba Bhave. It was critically examined by several monks of different orders including Muni (now Acharya) , Muni (later Acharya) Sushil Kumarji, Muni Janakavijaya, Muni Nathamal (later Acharya Mahaprajna), as well as scholars like A.N. Upadhye, , Agarachand Nahta, et al. Finally in an assembly on 12 December 1974 it was approved by all. The text of Saman Suttam (its title referring to sayings of Sramans) includes 44 chapters with topics such as Mangal Sutra (on auspiciousness), Atma Sutra (on the soul), Moksha Marga Sutra (on the path to liberation), and is divided into four sections. Its 756 verses are compiled from Jain scriptures. Whence, as sourced, the textual content originates from the same age as the scripture it consolidates (printed over the years in English, Gujarati, Hindi, and Italian). Whether it has been widely distributed and taught among sects, in place of traditional texts (which vary to the extent an oral tradition has been considered lost or not), Jain scholars have maintained that this work embodies essential principles of the Jain religion and philosophy, comprehensive as a textbook (though relatively brief as a body of work), the Saman Suttam (like the Tattvartha Sutra) is universal to the Jain religion, for what its followers share in common. Contents (Saman Suttam, 2nd ed. 1999) Part I, Source of Illumination 1. Precepts on the Auspicious2. Precepts on the Jina's Teachings3. Precepts on the Religious Order4. Precepts on the Scriptural Exposition5. Precepts on the Transmigratory Cycle6. Precepts on the Karmas7. Precepts on the Wrong faith8. Precepts on the Renunciation of Attachment9. Precepts on the Religion10. Precepts on the Self-restraint11. Precepts on the Non-possessiveness12. Precepts on the Non-violence13. Precepts on the Vigilance14. Precepts on the Education15. Precepts on the Soul Part II, Path of Liberation 16. Precepts on the Path of Liberation17. Precepts on Three Jewels18. Precepts on Right Faith19. Precepts on Right Knowledge20. Precepts on Right Conduct21. Precepts on Spiritual Realization22. Precepts on the Two Paths of Religion23. Precepts on Householder's Religion24. Precepts on Religion of Monks25. Precepts on Vows26. Precepts on Carefulness and Self-Control27. Precepts on Obligatory Duties28. Precepts on Penance29. Precepts on Meditation30. Precepts on Reflection31. Precepts on Soul-colouring32. Precepts on Spiritual Progress33. Precepts on Passionless Death Part III, Metaphysics 34. Precepts on Fundamental35. Precepts on Substance36. Precepts on Universe Part IV, Theory of Relativity 37. Precepts on Non-absolutism38. Precepts on Valid Knowledge39. Precepts on View-point40. Precepts on Theory of Relativity and Seven Predictions41. Precepts on Reconciliation or Synthesis42. Precepts on Installation43. Conclusion44. Hymn to Mahavira