The “Bauddha‑Santāna Dvātriṃśikā” of Siddhasena Divākara
By M. A. Dhaky
Summary
This paper introduces the Bauddha‑Santāna Dvātriṃśikā, an early Jain treatise that explains Buddhist concepts for a Jain audience. Composed by Siddhasena Divākara in the fifth century, the text summarises Mahāyāna doctrines such as dependent origination (pratītyasamutpāda) and the emptiness of phenomena without engaging in polemics. Its explanatory, rather than argumentative, tone makes it a unique bridge between Jainism and Buddhism. The article shows that Siddhasena avoids references to later Buddhist logic; his discussion predates the epistemological systems of Diṅnāga and Dharmakīrti. By contextualising the Dvātriṃśikā among other Jain and Buddhist texts, the author argues that it provides evidence of early Jain interest in Mahāyāna thought. The piece also surveys the scarce commentarial tradition on the work and highlights textual difficulties in interpreting verses. Overall, the study demonstrates how interreligious engagement enriched Jain philosophy and offers a rare glimpse of Buddhist teachings through a Jain lens.
Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.
Conclusion
The Dvātriṃśikā shows that early Jain authors were familiar with and sympathetic to Buddhist metaphysics. Its clear and concise exposition of Mahāyāna ideas without rebuttal suggests a period of intellectual openness and cross‑fertilisation between the traditions.