Understanding Jain Way Of Life Exhibition

SR No.: 007750
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Sudhir M Shah
Publisher: Sudhir M Shah
Publication Year: 2016
Total Pages: 62
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 26 MB

Page 27

Jain
Scriptures
"That through which knowledge of the real truth is perceived, which disciplines and enlightens the soul, should be called Scripture
- Acharya Jinabhadra Gani Kshamä:shraman “Just as water washes away the dirt out of clothings
and leaves them clean and shining, so too scriptures wash away the filth of all passions like lust, anger, greed and jealousy from the mind, and leave it pure and clean"
Acharya Haribhadra Devardhi-gani a Shining Star Tirthankar Mahävir's teachings were orally transferred from Ächaryas (gurus)
Realizing that it was extremely difficult to keep memorizing, and due to the differences cropping up in their recollections, Jain Achäryas decided to compile what they remembered. After two initial attempts in 320 BC by Sthulibhadra and in 374 AD to 387 AD by Skandil and Nagarjun, in 453 AD, nearly one thousand years after Mahävir's Nirvan, his teachings were finally trascribed. Under the courageous leadership of Acharya Devardhi-gani, the Ägams were compiled.
Also, in 2nd century AD Ächärya Puspsdant and Bhutabali compiled Shatakhand Agam. In the absence of a 'kevali', Agams are the
best sources of reference on the teachings of Tirthankars.
"Scriptures are the voice of the realized souls and the foundation of our faith.
However, the religious history of the world tells us that no venerable one has ever written any scriptures himself. Whatever is in the sacred texts has been handed down to us through the oral tradition. The words of the master have been written down many years later, and in the process, the writers may have excluded some of the teachings, and added some thoughts of their own. The works so compiled were accepted as scriptures,
and became the focus of human faith. These interpolations could not qualify as the ultimate truth, and so some of the facts expounded in the scriptures have lost their credibility.
But because the scriptures are the objects of our faith, the dilemma remains as to whether we can deny or doubt in any way the facts contained in them.
Upadhyay Amar Muni from Veerapatan