“Megadeposit” of Jaina Philosophy in Russian

Abstract

Natalia Zheleznova’s unique contribution to Jaina studies in Russia, this time with her translation of the enormous Akalaṅka’s subcommentary (8th century C.E.) to the basic text of Jaina philosophy, the Tattvārthādhigamasūtra by Umāsvāti (3rd–4th centuries C.E.), is emphasized in this review. At the same time, two core formats of the whole Indian philosophizing are being conceptualized, i.e. the polemical building of Indian theoretical discourse as a whole, which is incorporated into the dialogical texture of any commentary aspiring at any importance (controversy with both real and speculative opponents) and commenting itself as the main mode of intellectual self-expression (up to self-commenting). In conclusion, some “technical” сensures are passed upon the translator and an alternative interpretation of the term tattva, crucial for understanding the very title of Umāsvāti’s work, is offered.