Problems of the Purva
By Suzuko Ohira
Summary
The article examines the Purva, a set of early Jain scriptures whose existence and content are debated. It begins by asking whether the Purva ever existed and notes that it is traditionally regarded as the source of the Anga literature. The author explains that the term “purva” means “old” or “early” and summarises canonical references where Purvadhara and Purvavid appear. Early texts such as the Samavaya and Nandi enumerations list the contents of the Purva and 12 Angas; later texts refer to fourteen Purvas existing alongside the Angas and distinguish the Purva as a separate corpus. The article surveys post‑canonical literature that attributes certain doctrinal and philosophical works to the Purva or treats it as a source. It highlights the Purva’s role in discussions of karma, siddhis and liberation, its relation to the doctrine of the Avasyakas, and how Purvadharas—persons who mastered the fourteen Purvas—were revered. Through examination of passages from the Bhagavati Sutra, Tattvartha Sutra and other commentaries, the author shows that the Purva was considered an authoritative text whose contents were largely lost over time. The article suggests that by the post‑canonical age, the Purva came to be recognised primarily as a source for the later Anga texts and for doctrinal debates rather than as an independent scripture. It thus addresses the problems of authenticity, transmission and influence of the Purva within the Jain canon.
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Conclusion
The article concludes that the Purva holds a significant place in Jain tradition as a reservoir of doctrinal knowledge and a source for later canonical works. Although much of its content has been lost, references in early and post‑canonical literature indicate that the Purva existed as an independent collection separate from the Angas. It influenced discussions on karma, liberation and cosmology, and served as a basis for numerous Angabāhya texts. Over time its authority shifted as later authors regarded it mainly as a source for the twelve Angas, yet its conceptual importance endures in understanding the development of Jain scripture.