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ŚRĪ DASAVAIKĀLIKA SŪTRA
1ST FUNDAMENTAL SCRIPTURE
PRIMER OF AN ASCETIC
Keeping in mind the laxity shown by Jain monks after the departure of Bhagwan Mahāvīra, the Acharyas of that period observed the worldly pleasures and objects used by the devotees. Thus with the sole objective of incorporating the essence of all Agama formed a scripture called Śrī Daśavaikālika Sutra. The study of this Agama helps a seeker to understand the summary of all Āgamas. The first successor of Bhagwan Mahāvīra was Sudharma Swami, the second successor was Jambu Swami, followed by the third successor, Prabhav Swami and the fourth successor was Swayambhav Swami. He created this Āgama called Śrī Daśavaikālika Sutra knowing the fact that his son Manak would live only for six months after becoming an ascetic. Manak had a very short period to understand the essence of all Agamas and help his soul to attain emancipation.
This scripture unfolds the benefits of following preception with extreme piety. It describes how with the help of the science of incantation (Mantra Vidya), one can gain control over the Devs (celestial beings) This Agama also gives different viewpoints by which one can detach become dispassionate towards worldly pleasures. The types of sacrifices that are important in an ascetic's life and how a mode of good conduct can alleviate the level of a devotee have been described by Bhagwan Mahāvīra. A devotee's level of accomplishment declines if he has
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