THE SACRED BOOKS OF THE JAINAS.

...in conformity with what has been realized and taught by the five Shruta-Kevalis Saints with complete scriptural knowledge. who flourished from 464 to 364 B.C. Lord Mahavira (599–527 B.C.) was succeeded by the three Omniscients: Gautama (527–515 B.C.), Sudharma (515–504 B.C.), and Jambusvami (504–466 B.C.). Jambusvami was the last Arhat A "worthy one" or enlightened being who has conquered all inner passions. and liberated soul in this fifth eon of the current time cycle (Avasarpini) in this region of the world (Bharata Kshetra). The last of the five Shruta-Kevalis was Shri Bhadrabahu, the teacher and initiator of the great Mauryan Emperor Chandra Gupta. Chandra Gupta, a contemporary of Alexander the Great, flourished in the 4th century B.C. and met a calm and peaceful death at Chandra Hill in Shravana Belgola, located in the Hassan District of Mysore State in South India.

The name "Samayasara" may also be derived from, and is certainly justified by, the author’s frequent use of the word "Samaya" in the sense of absorption or realization. Sva-samaya, or self-absorption, is the central goal for the soul struggling to free itself from the fetters of worldly bondage caused by Karma Fine matter that attaches to the soul due to its actions and thoughts, determining its future experiences..

original: जीवाे चरित्तदंसणणाणट्ठिदं तं हि ससमयं जाणे । पुग्गल कम्मुवदेसट्ठिदं च तं जाणे परसमयं ॥ २ ॥ (Prakrit)
original: जीवश्चारित्रदर्शन ज्ञानस्थितस्तं हि स्वसमयं जानीहि । पुद्गलकर्म्मोपदेशस्थितं च तं जानीहि परसमयम् ॥ २ ॥ (Sanskrit)

2. Know that the soul which is concentrated in right conduct, belief, and knowledge is in a state of self-absorption (Sva-samaya). And know that the soul which remains in a condition determined by the operation of karmic matter is in a state of non-self-absorption (Para-samaya).

Commentary.

Although the soul in its essence and nature is characterized by total purity, perfect knowledge, and happiness, the worldly soul has been intimately attached to matter and impure thought-activities from a time without beginning. Due to the operation of delusory Karma, the soul is oblivious to its own reality and is instead absorbed in worldly pleasures. Because of this, souls are divided into two classes: those who are absorbed in right belief, knowledge, and the realization of their true nature (self-absorbed), and those who are not.