It is undoubtedly certain that Prasamaratiprakarana is
from the pen of the same author who has written Tattvarthasutra with
Svopajnabhasya. Its language and line of thought bear such a remarkable
similarity with T. S. that it is very difficult to believe that they are
from the pen of a different author. Parallel lines are found in several
places, certain lines are bodily lifted from one work to another. This
is clearly indicative of spontaneous outcome of the same author.30
Secondly, almost all the eminent writers and commentators of Svetambara
sect have recognized Prasamarati as a work of Umasvati and they quote
profusely many verses from it in support of their content.
Jinadasamahattara (7th A. D.) a great writer quotes 120th verse from
Prasamarati in his Nisithacurni31 after saying that Acarya said so.
Siddhasengani (8th A. D.) commenting on Tattvarthasutrabhasya clearly
mentions that the same thin is explained by the same author in his
Prasamarati.32 He quotes many verses from Prasamarati to defend his
view.33 Haribhadrasuri (8th A. D.) known as Yakinisunu, recognized as a
gigantic scholar and commentator quotes two verses from Prasamarati in
his commentary on T. S. bhasya by saying that it is said by the same
author in other treatise.34 Abhayadevasuri (10th A. D.) commenting on
Sanmatitarkaprakarana quotes a verse from Prasamarati to show that his
view is supported by Umasvati Vacaka.35 Again, another well known writer
Sri Santisuri in his Dharmaratnaprakaranavrtti attributes Prasamarati to
Umasvati,36 and quotes 16 verses from it in different contexts.37 These
evidences suffice to lead us to the definite conclusion that Prasamarati
is recognized right from the beginning as a work of Umasvati.
This work of the learned author is one of the
masterpieces on Jaina Ethics, Philosophy and Religion. It is a
compendious work covering the quintessence of Jainism in a convincing
manner. This work holds a unique place in the old Sanskrit Jaina
literature. Unlike the Tattvarthasutra which is purely philosophical in
its nature, the Prasamarati is an ethico-philosophical text of more
popular nature addressed to the monks and laymen alike. By the nature
of its contents and easy language of the verses, it is studied with
utmost devotion by Jainas. It is a sourcebook of religious inspiration
and spiritual solace for thousands of spiritually minded people.
This work contains 313 verses in lucid Sanskrit in Arya
metre and is divided into 22 chapters known as adhikaras,38 covering
almost all the important doctrines of Jainism.