________________
The Second, third and fourth chapters deal with the Soul (Jiva)
The Second chapter deal with the Soul (Jiva)
The Third chapter deals with description of hell, Hellish beings, Human beings and Animals and Jain geography.
The Fourth chapter deals with heaven and Heavenly beings.
The Fifth chapter deals with the Non-soul (Ajiva).
The Sixth, Seventh and Eighth chapters deal with the various types of karma and their manifestations and the inflow and the bondage of the karma. (Bandha and Äsrava)
The Ninth chapter describes the stoppage and shedding off the karma. (Samvar and Nirjarä) The Tenth chapter is about the complete liberation of the soul or the Moksha. (Moksha)
Summary
The Jain literature, which was compiled by Ganadhars and Shruta-kevalis, is known as Ägam literature. These texts are the Holy Scriptures of the Jain religion. The Jain Ägams consisted of 1) 14 Purvas, 2) 12 Anga-pravishtha Ägams and 3) Anga-bähya Ägams (34 for Shvetämbar Murtipujak, 21 for Shvetämbar Sthänakaväsi and 14 for Digambar).
All sects agree that 14 Purvas and Drashtiväda, the 12th Anga-pravishtha Ägam are extinct. Digambars believe that all Jain Ägams are extinct, whereas the Shvetämbar sects accept the existing Jain Ägams as authentic teachings of Bhagawän Mahävir. However, Shvetämbar Murtipujak believe that there are 34 Anga-bähya Ägams existing while Shvetämbar Sthänakaväsi believe that there are 21 Anga-bähya Agams existing.
The composition of the scriptures has a specific purpose of showing the listener the path of everlasting happiness and liberation. The Ägam Sutras teach eternal truth about conduct, equanimity, universal affection and friendship, and the eternal truths on thinking, namely, the principle of relativity, and the principle of non-one-sidedness. It also teaches many spiritual things including great reverence for all forms of life, soul, Karma, universe, strict codes of asceticism, rules for householders, compassion, nonviolence, and non-possessiveness.
JAIN PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICE - 2
265
