Sacred Literature of the Jains
Summary
An introductory note in this issue precedes a reprint of Albrecht Friedrich Weber’s classic study Sacred Literature of the Jains. The editors remind readers that Johann Georg Bühler was instrumental in opening the rich treasures of Jaina literature by acquiring manuscripts for the Royal Library at Berlin (1873–1878), and that this collection gave Weber the impetus to write the first comprehensive account of Jain sacred literature. Weber (1825–1901), a German Indologist, published his findings in German under the title Über die heiligen Schriften der Jaina in Indische Studien (vol XVI, 1883; vol XVII, 1885). His work was translated into English as Sacred Literature of the Jains and serialised in fifteen issues of the Indian Antiquary. The article reproduced here surveys Jain canonical literature from a historical and critical perspective. Weber explains the Jain belief that their scriptures were originally taught by the first Jina, Ṛṣabha, and transmitted orally through successive pontiffs. He lists the fourteen Pūrvas (ancient pre‑canons) and traces how the canonical texts were gradually lost or corrupted during periods of famine and schism. The surviving canon of twelve Āṅgas and additional limbs (Upāṅgas, Chedasūtras, Mūlasūtras, Prakīrṇakas and Cūlikāsūtras) is summarised, with Weber noting differences between the Śvetāmbara and Digambara traditions. He analyses the language of the scriptures, observing that it differs from classical Prakrit and may represent an older stage of Ardhamāgadhī. Weber also discusses metrical treatises like the Niryukti and Bhāṣya, the commentarial literature and later scholastic works. His account emphasises the breadth of subjects covered: ethics, cosmography, monastic discipline, rituals and philosophy. The editors note that Weber’s study introduced many Western scholars to the complexity of Jain literature and remains a treasure house of information. They caution that Weber wrote before many critical editions were available; subsequent research has revised some of his conclusions. Nevertheless, his synthesis of oral traditions, manuscript catalogues and early commentaries demonstrates rigorous comparative philology. The reprint thus serves both as a historical document and as a reminder of the progress made in Jain textual studies since the late nineteenth century.
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Conclusion
The introductory essay positions Weber’s Sacred Literature of the Jains as a pioneering attempt to map the contours of Jain canonical literature for a Western audience. By compiling lists of scriptures, summarising their contents and analysing their linguistic features, Weber offered scholars a starting point for further investigation. While modern research has corrected some details, the editors affirm that the work remains an indispensable reference for understanding early studies of Jain texts and for appreciating the scope of the Jain scriptural tradition.