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## Introduction
**Essential Sutras: A Critical Study**
[From the First Edition]
In Indian literature, the word "Agam" is synonymous with scripture. The **Aavashyakachurnikar** defines the word "Agam" as: "That by which the understanding of substances is achieved, is Agam." The **Anuyogadwarachurni** states: "That which is the word of the **Aapta** (omniscient being) is Agam." In the **Anuyogadwar Maladhariya Tika**, the Acharya, while contemplating the word "Agam", clarifies that "That which comes from the Guru Parampara (lineage of teachers) is Agam." Acharya **Vachaspati Mishra** writes: "That scripture by the practice of which the means of **Abhyudaya** (worldly prosperity) and **Nishreyas** (spiritual liberation) are known, is Agam." According to **Abhinavagupta Acharya**, "That which, upon reading, provides comprehensive understanding, is Agam." Similarly, Acharya **Jinabhadragani Kshamasraman**, in the **Visheshaavashyak Bhashya**, defines scripture as: "That by which the true, real form of the knowable, the soul, is understood and disciplined, is scripture."
The word "Sutra" is also used in the same sense as "Agam" and "Shastra". **Sanghadasagani**, in the **Brihatkalpa Bhashya**, explains the word "Sutra" as: "That by following which the shedding of karmas occurs, is Sutra." In the **Visheshaavashyak Bhashya**, using the **Nirukta** method of interpretation, it is written: "That which irrigates the meaning, is Sutra." Acharya **Abhaydeva**, in the **Sthananga Vritti**, writes: "That by which meaning is strung together, is Sutra." The **Brihatkalpa Tika** states: "By following the Sutra, the shedding of eight types of karma-dust occurs, hence it is called Sutra."
**Essential: The Life Force of Jain Practice**
The **Aavashyak Sutra** holds a unique place in Jain Agam literature. The **Anuyogadwarachurni**, while defining **Aavashyak**, states: "That which makes the **Gunashunya Atma** (soul devoid of qualities) reside in auspicious emotions, is **Aavasak**."
1. **Njjati Attha Jene So Agamo.** - Aavashyakchurni 1/36
2. **Attass Va Vayanam Agamo.** - Anuyogadwarachurni, page 16
3. **Guruparamparayenagachchatiityagamaha.** - Anuyogadwar Maladhariya Tika, page 202
4. **Aasamantat Arth Gamayati iti Agamha.**
5. **Sasajjiti Tene Tahim Va Neyamayato Satyam.**
6. **Anusarai Tti Suttam.** - Brihatkalpa Bhashya, 311
7. **Sinchati Kharai Jamattham Tamha Suttam Niruttavihina.** - Vi.Bha. 1368
8. **Suryante Anenetti Sutram.** - Sthananga Vritti, page 49
9. **Sutramanusaran Raj:-Ashta Prakaram Karma Apanayati Tatah Saranat Sutram.** - Brihatkalpa Tika, page 95
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