ABSTRACT
Jaina epistemology has made insightful contributions which are often underestimated if not ignored. This chapter focuses on epistemology based on selected aspects from the original works of a few thinkers only: Kundakunda’s (second or third century) Pravacanasāra, Umāsvāti’s (perhaps fourth or fifth century) Tattvārthasūtra, and Māṇikyanandin’s (ninth–tenth century) Parīkṣāmukha. These philosophers are early thinkers generally regarded as authoritative by the Jaina tradition. Only passing reference will be made to thinkers like Siddhasena Divākara, Akalaṃka, and Vidyānandi to indicate that they have also made significant contributions.
