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d.
their principal disciples (Ganadharas) or the canon omniscient preceptors (Srutakevalis) or the preceptors in the know of at least ten pūrvas (Precanons). The scriptures composed by the preceptors knowing less than ten pre-canons may be right (free from corruption) or may be corrupted. Agamika Sruta - these timely studiable scriptures, such as Acārārga, etc, include those canonical texts that can be studied only within time-periods laid down for scriptural studies. Arigapravista Śruta – These are the twelve primary canonical works composed by the principal disciples of the Tīrtharikaras (Prophet-propounders). These have been described in the next section on “Jaina canonical literature'. Argabāhya Śruta - These are the extra-primary canonical works, based on the primary canons and composed by the later preceptors.
The scriptural knowledge is prophesied, composed and propagated in three forms - 1. Meaning form (Artharūpa) in which the Lords Prophets preach. They only present views or thoughts or the ideas or the sense of what they wish to convey. This form is available to only those fortunate listeners, who form a part of the Lords Prophets' congregation (Samavasarana) and listen to their discourses. 2. Maxim form (Sūtra-rūpa). The teachings of the Lords Prophets are composed into maxims or aphorisms, for the benefit of the posterity, by their principal disciples. These are now available to us in the form of primary canonical works. 3. Sūtrārtha-rūpa or in both the maxim and meaning forms. This version is also available to those disciples of the Lords Tīrthankaras or those of their principal disciples, who were fortunate enough to listen to the discourses of the Lords Tīrtharkaras and hear the maxim-version as well from the Ganadharas.
142 : JAINISM: THE CREED FOR ALL TIMES
