Agam 01 Ang 01 Acharanga Sutra Part 01 Sthanakvasi

Author(s): Amarmuni, Shreechand Surana
Publisher: Padma Prakashan

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SKRIM JE K K K
mainly deal with the codes of conduct and alms collection of an ascetic, whereas Acharanga mainly describes right perception (faith), right knowledge, right conduct and right austerities. Besides the codes of conduct this abounds in important discussions about spiritualism and philosophy.
Acharanga gives ample stress on faith. Phrases like 'Saddhi anaye mehavi' (I have faith in the tenets of the great man or Jina) and 'Anaye maamagam dhammam' (his tenets are my religion) indicate the special importance of faith. Although it is an Agam having faith as its main theme, it still lays adequate stress on independent judgment, awareness, intellect and wisdom etc. by quoting-Bhagavaya parinna paveiya' or Bhagavan has talked about awareness, intellect and sagacity. Numerous repetitions of the phrase 'Maimam Pasam' strongly conveys that do not accept just because the omniscient has said it; examine with your own wisdom and sagacity before accepting. Acharya Shilank Suri explains 'Maimam pasam'-it is not that just I say this, you should also see this. This way we find a fine amalgamation of faith and independent thinking or faith and intellect in this Agam.
THE STYLE OF ACHARANGA
The first book of Acharanga is predominantly prose. Although it contains verses as well, but they are very few. Dr. Shubring says "It appears that originally Acharanga must have been mainly in poetry. This is because many prose phrases look like broken verses. That appears to be the reason that the short aphorisms although appear to be prose but when read they reveal a poetic rhythm." The rhyme and rhythm of these aphorisms is very similar to those of ancient aphorisms of Rigveda. Looking at the short and pithy phrases impregnated with a very wide range of meanings, use of new and meaningful words and a compact grammatical structure, scholars have inferred that the style of writing of Acharanga is the very same aphoristic style that was employed in writing of Vedas and Upanishads. This style is believed to be the style of most ancient scriptures. That is the reason that elaborating and expounding the
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