Agam 01 Ang 01 Acharanga Sutra Part 01 Sthanakvasi

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

Page 16

true meaning of the aphorisms of Acharanga is considered to be a difficult task.
The style is generally aphoristic prose up to the seventh lesson of the eighth chapter of the first book of Acharanga. At some places in between can be found a few verses. The eighth lesson of the eighth chapter and the whole ninth chapter are in verse. The ninth chapter contains an electrifying account of the period of spiritual practices of Bhagavan Mahavir, filled with rigorous afflictions.
In the Agam writing we find two distinct styles
(1) Chhinna-Chheda nayik
(2) Achhinna-Chheda nayik
The sentence, verse or phrase that is complete in itself and does not require any preceding or following references from the text to be meaningful are called Chhinna-Chheda nayik. Dashavaikalika, Uttaradhyayan and many other Sutras are in this style.
The sentence, verse or phrase where preceding and following references from the text, understanding of the subject and descriptions and other such factors are to be corroborated before one can comprehend the meaning are called Achhinna-Chheda nayik.
Acharanga Sutra has been written in the second style. Therefore it is essential to analyze the references, verbs and the topic discussed before the meaning can be derived. While elaborating this it is necessary to study various commentaries (Niryukti, Churni, Tika, etc.) and ponder over the meanings. In absence of this there are chances of mistakes in understanding Acharanga Sutra.
THE COMMENTARIES OF ACHARANGA SUTRA
It is believed that Acharanga Sutra was originally preached by Bhagavan Mahavir himself. Ganadhar Sudharma was its compiler. The oldest work elaborating the profound meanings of the aphorisms in this work is the Niryukti (commentary) by Acharya Bhadrabahu who was a great scholar of 5-6th century V. He wrote commentaries (Niryukti) on almost ten Agams. The language of a Niryukti is Prakrit and the style poetic.
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