Basic Principles Of Jainism

Author(s): Narayan Lal Kachhara
Publisher: Narayan Lal Kachhara

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1. Acharang Sutra (Aayarang). This agama describes the conduct and behavior of ascetic life. It also describes the penance of Lord Mahavira. This is the oldest agama from a linguistic point of view.
2. Sutrakratang Sutra (Suyagdang). This agama describes nonviolence, Jain metaphysics, and the refutation of other religious theories such as Kriyavada, Akriyavada, Ajnanavada, and Vinayavada.
3. Sthanang Sutra (Thanang). This agama defines and catalogues the main substances of the Jain metaphysics.
4. Samavayang Sutra. This agama defines and catalogues the main substances of the Jain religion from a different perspective than the Sthananga Sutra.
5. Vhakhya Prajnapti or Bhagavati Sutra (Viyah Pannati). This agama explains the subtle knowledge of soul, matter, and other related subjects. Thirty-six thousands (36000) questions and answers are presented in discussion form. It is the largest of the eleven Anga-agamas.
6. Jnata Dharma Kathang Sutra (Nayadhammakahao). This agama explains Jain principles through examples and stories. This text is very useful in understanding the mode of Lord Mahavira's religious preaching.
7. Upasaka Dashang Sutra (Uvasagdasao). This agama explains the code of conduct of the ten lay followers (Shravakas) of Lord Mahavira. This agama is very useful for understanding the code and conduct of ordinary people (Shravaka Dharma) in the Jain religion.
8. Antah Kradashang Sutra (Anatagaddasao). This agama tells the stories of ten sacred monks attaining liberation (Moksha) by destroying their karmas.
9. Anuttaroupa Patika Dashang Sutra (Anuttarov Vaiya Dasao). This agama contains the stories of additional ten sacred monks who attained the top-most heaven, known as Anuttara heaven.
10. Prashna Vyakaran Sutra (Panha Vagarnai). This agama describes the five great vows (mahavratas) and the five worst sins defined in the Jain religion.
11. Vipaka Sutra (Vivagsuyam). This agama explains the results of good and bad karmas through several stories.
Digambara Scriptures