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Those texts, which correctly inculcate the true dharma in people whose hearts are overflowing with attachment and aversion and save them from grief are called true shaastras by the wise ones.
True shaastras are directly connected to the soul. Their chief function is to help the soul attain eternal perception, eternal knowledge, eternal conduct, eternal power and eternal bliss. They do this by helping the soul rid itself of the veil of ignorance and delusion that impedes its eternal qualities.
"Saasijjai tena tahim vaa neyamaayaa va to sattham.” ~ Visheshaavashyaka Bhaasya, Verse 1.1384 (Page 492, Author: Aachaarya Jinabhadraagani Kshamashramana, Publisher: Bhadrankar Prakaashan, (shahibaug) Ahemdabad 3rd edition, year V.S.2053)
The text, which helps the soul follow enlightened conduct and realise its true nature is known as a shaastra.
“Jam socchaa padivajjanti tavam khantimahisayam.” -Uttaraadhyayana Suutra; Verse 1.3.8 (Page 71, Author: Lilambai Mahasatiji, Publisher: Gurupraana Foundation, (Parasdham, Ghatakopar) Mumbai, year 2009)
Shaastra is that text, upon hearing, which enlightens the seeker's soul and helps him immerse himself in penance, equanimity and non-violence.
The question that arises before the seeker is that there are many texts in the world. Even within the Jain religion, there are two streams - the Digambara and the Shvetambara. Which texts may be considered Authoritative?
This conundrum was bound to occur in the fifth cosmological period of time as per Jainism (5th aaraa).
This is why the omniscient Lord Mahavira said:
"Whether a shaastra is true or not depends on one's own perception. If the seeker looks inwards and has discriminative knowledge and sound intuitive judgement, any text in the world shall serve his needs adequately. But if the seeker is adamant and immature, deluded, desires sensuous gratification, is selfish and full of attachment and aversion, even the best and most enlightened of shaastras become false scriptures for him." - Samyagdharshana; (Page 274, Author: Ashokmuni, Publisher: Diwaakarjyoti Karyaalaya, Byaawar (Rajasthan), year 1981)
In essence, whichever shaastra you have faith in, you have to develop firm conviction in it with the help of discriminative knowledge and intuitive wisdom. Do not let passions, biases, delusion and blind faith cloud your vision whilst choosing the right text. Do not consider what is yours to be right
