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## Introduction
(From the First Edition)
**The Main Foundation of Religion**
The foundation of the eternal life of any religion is its scripture. The scripture safeguards the principles upon which the edifice of religion stands. Leaving aside the branches and sub-branches, the main religions in India are Vedic, Buddhist, and Jain. The Vedic religion's primary literature is the Vedas, the Buddhist religion's is the Pitaka, and similarly, the Jain religion's primary literature is available in the form of Agamas.
**Agamas**
Agamas are indicative of specific knowledge, connected to direct or similar understanding. In other words, it can be said that the collection of principles expounded by Aapta Purushas (perfect beings) whose knowledge became completely pure and unblemished, free from doubt, due to the removal of hindering causes or karmas, is called Agama.
The primary literature that we have today in the form of Agamas was spoken by the last Tirthankara, Bhagwan Mahavira, and compiled by his chief disciples, the Ganadharas.
Acharya Bhadrabahu has written: "The Arhat (perfect being) speaks the meaning. The Ganadharas, for the benefit of the Dharma-shasana (religious teachings) or the Dharma-sangha (religious community), skillfully compile it in the form of Sutras. Thus, the Sutra is established."
This means that the sentiments expressed by Bhagwan Mahavira in his teachings were put into words by the Ganadharas.
**The Language of Agamas**
The language of the Vedas is ancient Sanskrit, which is called Chandas or Vedic. The Buddhist Pitaka is in Pali, which is based on Magadhi Prakrit. The language of the Jain Agamas is Ardhamagadhi Prakrit. The Arhat delivers his religious teachings in this language.
The Samavayanga Sutra states: "The Bhagwan narrates the Dharma in the Ardhamagadhi language." The Ardhamagadhi spoken by the Bhagwan...
1. Aapta-vachanad-aavirbhutam-artha-sanvedanam-agamah.
Upacarad-aapta-vachanam cha. Praman-nay-tatva-alok 4.1, 2.
2. Attham bhasai arhaha, suttam ganthati ganahara niunam.
Sasanas-sa hiyatthae, tao suttam pavattehi. Aavashyak Nirukti 92.
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