3 Review(s)

This English version of Acharya Nagrajji's book  Agama aur Tripitaka: Ek Anusilana  presents an exhaustive study of the Agama, also known as Ganipitaka of the Jains and the Tripitaka of the Buddhists, putting together some common topics. The author has tried his best to safeguard the diction of this work from the niceties of a pure literary work on the one hand and of dull philosophy on the other. For this work Acharya Nagrajji was awarded D.Litt. by Kanpur University and Murti devi Award by Bhartiya Jnan Pith, New Delhi. Studying the history and traditions of both the Jains and Buddhists, Volume One surveys all the accessible materials and provides authentic information about the life and times of Mahavir and Buddha, with special reference to their Nirvana. Volume Two deals with language and literature. Besides references of Yask, Panini, Katyayan and Patanjali, Acharya Shri has produced illustrations and conclusions from Greek, Latin and Hebrew languages. He has referred to Vedic, Bodh and Jain ideologies with critical evaluation. In addition to exposing the short-sighted attitude of religious doctrinaires towards languages, he deals with geographical, historical and cultural backgrounds of ancient languages. Also, Acharya Shri makes a comparative and meaningful discussion on Digamber and Shwetamber beliefs with regard to divine language Ardh Magadhi, Prakrita and Agama scriptures, as also he provides critical analysis of phonology, morphology, semantics and syntax. Volume Three covers philosophy and ethics. It highlights the best traits of human beings, such as righteousness, truth, non-stealing, good conduct, simplicity, purity, kindness, penance, renunciation, softness, humility, selflessness, contentment, non-possession, fraternity, universal brotherhood, equanimity, equality of living beings and control over sensuousness. It also provides deep insights into the legendary of Agama and Tripitaka traditions. Generally, all the religious expositions seek expressions through emulative examples like folktales and imaginary stories.