Heretical Conception of Universe and Jain Critique as depicted in the Sutrakrtanga Commentary of Silanka
By Ch. Lalitha
Summary
Ch. Lalitha examines Silanka’s commentary on the Jain Sutrakrtanga, focusing on passages that present and refute heretical cosmologies. Silanka summarises views of other religions, including theories that the universe was created by gods, by Brahman or by Prajapati. He discusses interpretations of terms like Devautte, which variously mean creation by a deity, protection by gods or the universe as the progeny of a god. Silanka also reports Samkhya thinkers who argue that passive purusa cannot be the creator, leaving prakriti as the source of the world. Lalitha shows that Silanka systematically enumerates these positions in order to refute them from the Jain perspective. Jainism rejects a creator god and teaches that the universe is beginningless, governed by natural laws and karma. By critiquing these theistic theories, Silanka reinforces the rationalist cosmology of Jainism and illustrates the intellectual engagement of Jain scholars with rival schools.
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Conclusion
Lalitha concludes that Silanka’s commentary provides insight into medieval debates about cosmology. By cataloguing and deconstructing creation theories, he reasserts the Jain view of an uncreated universe and exemplifies Jain scholarship’s rigorous engagement with other philosophies.