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**Editorial Statement**
The nectar-like, pre-scriptural pronouncements of the omniscient, all-seeing, dispassionate Supreme Being, the Jinesvara Devas, are not only a priceless treasure of the world's religious literature, but also a life-saving elixir for the lives of all beings. This discourse, as prescribed by the worthy ones, is that pot of nectar which removes all poisons and afflictions, and bestows new life upon all beings in the world. The origin of the Jain Agamas is for the sake of compassion, in the form of protection of the world's beings. Non-violence, compassion, kindness, affection, and friendship are its essence. Therefore, it is the most beneficial, protective, and helpful for the world's beings. This Jain discourse is a form of salvation, refuge, momentum, and foundation for all beings.
The ancient teachers have compared this pre-scriptural pronouncements to the ocean. They said, "This Jain Agama is like a great ocean. It is boundless in knowledge, filled to the brim with the best words, and vast in extent due to the waves of endless non-violence. The tide of the ocean is rising in it, it is filled with jewels obtained through the grace of the Guru, and it is difficult to cross. It is the ultimate essence and auspiciousness. One should worship this ocean of the primary form of the Mahavira Supreme Being with devotion."
Indeed, the Jain Agama is vast and profound like the ocean. However, with the grace of the Guru and effort, one can dive into it and obtain the essential jewels. The essence of Jain discourse is non-violence and equality. As stated in the Sutra Kritanga Sutra, "To consider all beings as oneself and not to harm them, this is the essence of religion, the path to self-welfare." Jain principles are imbued with non-violence, and in the world burning with the fire of violence, the endless stream of non-violence is beneficial. Therefore, the study, practice, and widespread dissemination of Jain principles is the primary need of the present age. Only through the practice of non-violence is there a possibility of world peace, therefore, the study and practice of the Jain Agamas, which are imbued with non-violence, is paramount.
The Jain Agamas are in the form of the twelve-part Ganipitaka. After attaining omniscience, the Arhant Tirthankara Supreme Being, in essence, formulates the discourse, and their fourteen predecessors, the wise and knowledgeable Ganadharas, bind them in the form of sutras.
**Sutra-vyakarana Sutra 1:**
1. For the protection and compassion of all beings in the world, the Bhagavan has spoken.
2. Boundless in knowledge, with a path of excellent words, beautiful with water, with waves of non-violence, it is vast in extent. The tide is rising, it is filled with jewels obtained from the Guru, and it is difficult to cross. The essence is the ocean of the pre-scriptural pronouncements, worship it with devotion.
3. Know that non-violence and time are the limits.