Just like Nyaya Sutra and 16 categories which can be used for debate, is there book on debate and methods in Jainism?
Yes. In Jainism there are classic works that deal with debate, logic, and the method of right reasoning (nyaya and pramana) within the Jain framework. Some well-known Jain writings on debate and doctrine include:
- Mallavadi-suri’s lineage and works on Nyaya logic and Anekantavada, notably Sanmati Tarka and Padmacharitra. These texts were composed to train monks and scholars in argumentative skill and in presenting Jain views in debate. You can read more about Mallavidi-suri and his role in Jain logic here.
- Other Jain logicians and pramana-focused works include discussions on pratyaksha, anumana, upamana, and agama (truths of testimony) within the Jain tradition, as part of the broader Jain epistemology and logic lineage. This tradition is exemplified by celebrated figures like Akalanka and the classical commentaries on Tattvartha-sutra, though exact JainKnowledge pages on every individual text may vary.
Notes:
- Jain debate and dialectics are deeply tied to the concept of anekantavada (many-sidedness) and syadvada (expressing statements with conditional predication), which provide the philosophical basis for constructive discussion and respectful disagreement.
- There are differences in emphasis between Digambara and Śvetāmbara traditions in how some texts are attributed or interpreted, but both share the goal of sharpening understanding through rigorous reasoning.
If you’d like, I can point to more specific Jain texts or summarize a particular work in simple terms.