Umaswati
Encyclopedia
Umaswami is the author of Tattvartha Sutra
, the best-known Jaina
text. The details of his life are controversial. He is claimed by both the Digambara and Svetambara
sects. He is known as Acharya
Umaswami , which is a title prefixed to the names of learned men.
A mathematician, he is thought to have lived around the 2nd century BC. It is likely that at this time no clear division of the Jain community
had emerged, and thus both sects may be right in claiming him.
Tattvartha Sutra
Tattvartha Sutra is a Jain text written by Acharya Umaswati. It was an attempt to bring together the different elements of the Jain path, epistemological, metaphysical, cosmological, ethical and practical, otherwise unorganized around the scriptures in an unsystematic format...
, the best-known Jaina
Jainism
Jainism is an Indian religion that prescribes a path of non-violence towards all living beings. Its philosophy and practice emphasize the necessity of self-effort to move the soul towards divine consciousness and liberation. Any soul that has conquered its own inner enemies and achieved the state...
text. The details of his life are controversial. He is claimed by both the Digambara and Svetambara
Svetambara
The Śvētāmbara is one of the two main sects of Jainism, the other being the Digambar. Śvētāmbara "white-clad" is a term describing its ascetics' practice of wearing white clothes, which sets it apart from the Digambara "sky-clad" Jainas, whose ascetic practitioners go naked...
sects. He is known as Acharya
Acharya
In Indian religions and society, an acharya is a guide or instructor in religious matters; founder, or leader of a sect; or a highly learned man or a title affixed to the names of learned men...
Umaswami , which is a title prefixed to the names of learned men.
A mathematician, he is thought to have lived around the 2nd century BC. It is likely that at this time no clear division of the Jain community
Jain community
The Jains in India have been the last direct representatives of the Shramana tradition in India. They follow Jainism, as the dharma taught by the 24 Tirthankaras, the last of whom was Mahavira.-Cultural influence:...
had emerged, and thus both sects may be right in claiming him.