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FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF'S PEN
THE IMPORTANCE OF ACHARANGA
The basis of all available teachings of Bhagavan Mahavir available today are the eleven Anga Sutras. Of these eleven the first Anga is Acharanga. Acharya Shri Bhadrabahu writes-"At the time of founding the Tirth (ford), Tirthankars first of all preach about conduct (Achar). After this they preach other Angas in their proper sequence. Thus, Acharanga is the first Anga.
The theme of all preaching by a Jina is moksha (liberation). For moksha is needed dharma (the right path). In Acharanga is given the means of attaining moksha, the procedure of practices aimed at achieving moksha. Acharanga starts with a soul's curiosity. Then it proceeds to define various dharmas (duties), such as ahimsa, equanimity, detachment, alertness, simplicity, unitariness, tolerance, etc. Thus, this Sutra contains an elaborate description of all facets of the process of attaining moksha.
In ancient times when Dashavaikalika Sutra was not written, a newly initiated ascetic was given the Validatory initiation (upsthapana or badi-diksha) only after he had studied the first chapter of Acharanga. Also, he was allowed to go for alms-seeking independently only after he took lessons of the Pindaishana chapter of Acharanga Sutra.
COMPREHENSIVE INTRODUCTION
Acharanga is in two volumes (shrut-skandh). The first book is of special importance with respect to language, style, subject-matter, (etc.). In context of ahimsa and equanimity, the first book deals with a subject of wider reach and usefulness for all, whereas the subjectmatter of the second book exclusively deals with the code of conduct
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