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SRI ACARANGA SUTRA
Sūtra is the first sermon given by Lord Mahāvīra and is the root or foundation to
omniscience.
Without introspection of the soul, all the other kinds of awareness are futile.
Therefore, it is essential for all spiritual seekers to study the Ācārănga Sutra
thoroughly.
The ultimate aim of the soul which is to realize itself is known as ĀCĀRĀNGA. ĀCĀRĀNGA is the pillar on which resides a sādhu or sādhvi. It gives a narration
about the conduct and behavior of a sādhu (monk). How one conducts oneself is
known as behavior and to observe the rules of conduct is ĀCĀRĀNGA.
Scientists have proven that plants have life. In the Ācārānga Sūtra, Lord Mahāvīra has proved that not only plants but also earth, water, fire, air have life.
The sensation of water is similar to the sensations of plants. The sense of touch
that humans have is similar to that possessed by water and the earth. The size of a mountain changes because the earth is living. Geologists have proved that the height of mountains vary from time to time. An article on "Mountains that grow" in the magazine FORNET describes the factors responsible for the external and the internal growth of mountains. It is a proven fact that only living beings
can grow.
People are content when they have all the luxuries, but the happiness and contentment that comes without possessing these luxuries gives supreme bliss to our soul. The Lord has stated that 'Comforts give us pleasure, but the pleasure derived from spirituality is incomparable.'
