Jaina Agamic Literature importance of Right Knowledge

Author(s): Dulichand Jain
Publisher: Z_Mohanlal_Banthiya_Smruti_Granth_012059.pdf

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दर्शन दिग्दर्शन
PRESERVATION OF AGAMAS
The Jaina have always tried hard to preserve their scared literature. However, there is no doubt that the Agamas as told by Lord Mahavira and presented by the Ganadharas (prime disciples) are not found in their complete from today. As the languages of the Agamas was Prākrit, which was the language of the masses, it was but natural for the change to occur even in the rendering of sacred literature. Unlike the Vedic brahmins, the Jainas could not preserve every word of their sacred literature. But it is certain that the portions available today are authentic and close to the preachings of Lord Mahāvira.
Thus till the time of Sthulibhadra, the knowledge of the twelve Angas was intact but after his demise only eleven Angas and a part of the twelth Anga remained available. Sthūlibhadra died 215 years after Lord Mahāvira's nirvana.
As mentioned above, the Jaina literature was composed in Prakrit, which was the spoken language of that time and not constructed by the strict rules of grammar. The ability to memorise perfectly was also weakening. Hence, it was inevitable for linguistic changes to creep in the scriptures.
THE SECOND CONVENTION
To add to the misfortune, another twelve year long famine hit the nother parts of India. In the absence of learning, revising and contemplation, the scriptures began to get lost. In course of time, the need was felt that another attempt should be made to systematize the scriptures. Between 827-840 years of Lord Mahavira's nirvana, a