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INTRODUCTION TO AGAMAS
Agama is a path to take mankind towards non-violence, restraint and penance.
A = Towards Soul, Gam = Moving, i.e. one which helps movement towards our soul
is Āgama.
Agama scriptures are core values of the Jain preception. The signature style of the Jain Agama is to display wisdom, reflection, and character as a trilogy, making them the base principles and benchmarks of religious paths. The principles, if followed closely in the true spirit can purify the soul.
When Gandhars, the revered disciples of Tirthankara Lord Mahāvīra, heard the Tripadi from the holy soul himself, the Dvādaśāngi monks created the scriptures that consists of the core 12 Anga Sūtras.
Dvādaśangi is referred as a supreme soul in Samvāyānga scripture. It existed in
the past, is here in the present and it will remain in the future. Dvādaśangi is a soul
forever, as it is inexhaustible and constant.
What is the meaning of Anuyoga? Anuyoga is derived from two words combined
together - Anu = Favour and Yog = Luck. It has five terminologies.
1. Planning is called Anuyog. Planned favour is summing up two words by way of
meaning and relationship.
2. Preaching of Purān (Holy Scriptures) is termed as Anuyoga.
3. To adjust, correspond and be compatible with meanings of the
religious scriptures is Anuyoga.
4. The relationship between formulae and meanings is Anuyoga.
5. Finding the right meaning or right example to explain to the disciples by means
of various solutions and sentences in an intelligent way is Anuyogā.
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