Significance of Twelve books
The concept of Twelve books varies across different cultural contexts. In South Asia, it refers to Hiuen Tsiang’s writings that compile essential Buddhist teachings known as Ta-t'ang-si-yu-ki. In Kavya, it signifies the common epic structure divided into twelve sections. Indian history identifies the Twelve books with the Shvetambara Jaina canon, which includes significant texts like the Sthananga Sutra and the Bhagavati Sutra, detailing Jaina cosmology. It also points to Vidyapati's poetic works, predominantly themed around love.
In Dutch: Twaalf boeken; In Finnish: Kaksitoista kirjaa; In Spanish: Doce libros
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
The concept of Twelve books in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Twelve books" encompasses diverse literary works across cultures. It includes Vidyapati's love poetry, the Shvetambara Jaina canon detailing cosmology, and Hiuen Tsiang's compilation of significant Buddhist teachings.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Refers to the collection of poetic works authored by Vidyapati, which include various themes primarily focused on love.[1]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) The twelve books are the Shvetambara Jaina canon, which includes the Sthananga Sutra and the Bhagavati Sutra, and these books provide details on Jaina cosmology.[2]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) The result of Hiuen Tsiang’s writings that compiles key Buddhist teachings, referred to as Ta-t'ang-si-yu-ki.[3]