Introduction To Jainism

Author(s): Gunvant Barvalia
Publisher: SKPG Jain Philosophical and Literary Research Centre

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8888ASIASA, INTRODUCTION TO JAINISM SKAISTUS
$9/3XASIS. INTRODUCTION TO JAINISM ASIASSA
SCRIPTURES CONTAINING TEACHINGS OF
LORD MAHAVIRA: AGAMAS
Omniscient and compassionate, Lord Mahavir has given a very brief and substantial sermons containing gist of entire knowledge in three vital words, namely "UPPANAIVA" (a substance has quality of creation) "VIGAMAIVA" (Same substance also has a quality of destruction and "DHUVAIVA" (having quality of immortality - These three together form the substantial part of the Universal Truth as, a point of Jain Philosophy - which has given the substance of Agama framed by Ganadharas and, in course of time reached to us throughs traditions.
Lord Mahavri delivers his sermons at a divine place called as "Samavsaram". Lord's preachings are in the form of musical melody- "Maalkaush Raag". Not only numan beings but also celestial beings, birds and animals attend "Samavsaran". Everyone present these canunderstand the sermons in their own language.
Whose potentialities and capabiliters are supreme become "Gandharas - foremost disciple of Thirthankar.
These Gandharas have a unique spiritual connection with the Tirthankar due to which their Gyanavarniya Karma (knowledge obstrucling karmas) sheds effortlessly. Just by hearing the "Tripadi" the three golden words), they can create "Dwadashangi" - 12 Anga Sutra (12 voulumes of holy scriptures). In this way, we get most valuable heritage of sermons (teachings) of Lord Mahavir through Traditional channels of Ganadharas and succeeding Acharyas.
A need never arose to have the sciptures in a written format due to the extra ordinary memory power of the Gandharas and Acharyas.
Respectable Shri Devardhigani realized that, in course of deceding times, the memory power of human beings will gradually reduce. Hence, in order to retain the great and grand heritage of Divine knowledge acquired through sermons of Lord Mahavir, he arranged "write up", with the assistance of 500 Monks at the conference held at Vallabhipur the continued this exercise, of
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conversion of oral sermons (teachings) into written words and the efforts lasted for continuous 13 years at a stretch.
History is evident that learned Acharyas have provided a unique contribution for Research, development and timely uplifment of Holy Scriptures (Aagamas).
This wonderful tosk has helped in the spread of knowledge and keeping alive the gist of the Ascetic Mork Tradion (shraman Sanskruti).
As an outcome of the immense self less compassion towards the mankind Lord Mahavir delivers merciful sermons and teachings. These preachings are a boon not only to Jain philospphy but also an extra ordinary gift to the global philosophies
The ponderance of scriptures (Agamas) its study, repeated meditation removes the dark shades of ignorance and lits the lamp of knowledge. Jain Philosophy, and its code of conduct with philosophical thoughts, both, when combined together, forms balanced and perfect combination. Therefore it can be called "Philosophy of Life" of Jain Tradition.
In entire scriptures, there is a credible establishment of virtues to justify and nourish the noble aim & ideal of non violence by showing results of evils of vices like violence etc. This is to indicate as to how one can get rid of instinct of sins and thereby avoid evil bondage of karmas, resulting in eternal infinite spiritual happiness. The liberated life devoid of karmic effects is called "Siddha" position or Salvation or Moksha.
Our life becomes illuminated, with the light of knowledge when we are exposed to Agamas. Agamic scriptural literature is a precious document of spiritual transformation of Absolute, Perfect and Total purification of the soul Agamas inspire the soul to get liberated from the bondages of karmas through holy process.
Aagam gives momemtum to people who are on their spiritual journey by clearing the impurities of soul. From infinite time our soul is blinded with karmic particles which impledes the realization of ones true self. One can free themselves from the viscious cycle of birth and death just by experiencing the glimpse