Question

Who among the following was NOT an Acharya belonging to the Digambara sect?

• A. Abhayadeva
• B. Virasena
• C. Devasena
• D. Jayasena

Hint:

Key Tip: If you see the title "Suri", it usually indicates a Shvetambara Acharya. Digambara Acharyas almost always use the title "Acharya" or simply their name ending in "Sena", "Nandi", or "Bhadra".

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The history of Jain literature is divided into two primary sectarian traditions: Digambara and Shvetambara. Each has its own lineage of scholars, commentators, and saints. Identifying the affiliation of an Acharya requires knowledge of their biographical background and the specific texts they authored or commented upon.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the scholars provided in the options:
1. Acharya Virasena (9th Century): He is a pillar of the Digambara tradition. He is the author of the Dhavala and Jayadhavala commentaries on the Satkhandagama, which is the most sacred text for Digambaras. His work is monumental in preserving the earliest mathematical and doctrinal concepts of the sect.
2. Acharya Devasena (10th Century): He is another renowned Digambara scholar, famous for his work Darshanasara, which provides a historical account of the origin of various sects. He also wrote Aradhana-sara and Bhavasangraha, all central to Digambara conduct.
3. Acharya Jayasena (12th Century): He is best known for his "Tatparyavriti" commentary on the Samayasara and other works of Acharya Kundakunda. His commentaries are essential for the Digambara "Nishchaya-Naya" (absolute point of view).
4. Abhayadeva Suri (11th Century): He was a celebrated Shvetambara Acharya. He is famously known as the "Navangi-vritti-kara" because he wrote comprehensive Sanskrit commentaries (Vrittis) on nine of the eleven primary Shvetambara Agamas. He belonged to the Raja Gachha. Legend says he was cured of a skin disease by praising the Jinas, and he devoted his life to reviving the canonical literature.
Since Abhayadeva's entire life's work was dedicated to the Shvetambara Agamic canon, he is the only one in the list who is not a Digambara Acharya. This question tests the historical and literary knowledge of sectarian boundaries within Jainism. Knowing the "Gachha" (lineage) of Shvetambara monks often helps distinguish them from Digambara Munis who belong to "Sanghas" (like Mula Sangha).

Step 3: Final Answer:
Abhayadeva was a prominent Shvetambara scholar and commentator on the Agamas, unlike the other three who were Digambara stalwarts.