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FROM THE EDITORS PEN |
Scriptures (Shaastra) have the same importance in the spiritual field that weapons (shastra) have in the field of state administration. Administration of a state cannot be run without the help of weapons and spiritual practices and self-discipline cannot be pursued without the help of Shaastras. The role of Shaastras in beatitude of the self is as important as that of eyes in human body. That is the reason Shaastras are said to be the eyes of the soul (Suyam taiyam chakkhu).
That which rules over or teaches how to rule over the soul, the mind, and the senses is said to be Shaastra. In other words, that which shows the way to discipline and establish command over these is called Shaastra. Acharya Malayagiri's statement-Shasanacchastramidam' affirms that Shaastra is the ruler who rules over the soul.
The words or teachings of the detached omniscient are called Shaastra. Contemplation, study, reading, and listening to the recital of these Shaastras inspires the soul to take to the path of beatitude and helps its progress. In Jain terminology the term 'Agam' instead of 'Shaastra' is in popular use. At present the number of available Agams is said to be 45 and 32. According to the belief in Shvetambar idol-worshipping tradition this number is 45 and according to that in Sthanakavasi tradition it is 32. The list of thirty two Agams is divided into sub-groups as follows-11 Anga Sutras, 12 Upanga Sutras, 4 Mool Sutras, 4 Chhed Sutras and the Avashyak Sutra. This work, Anuyogadvar Sutra, belongs to the sub-group of Mool Sutras. The four Mool Sutras being Uttaradhyayan, Dashavaikalik, Nandi and Anuyogadvar.
Bhagavan Mahavir has shown four paths of salvation knowledge (jnana), perception or faith (darshan), conduct (chaaritra), and austerities (tap). According to the ancient tradition Nandi Sutra describes knowledge (jnana), Anuyogadvar describes perception or faith (darshan), Dashavaikalik describes conduct (charitra) and Uttaradhyayan describes austerities (tap). Anuyogadvar includes
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