Sacred Scriptures in Jainism
After attaining omniscience (Kevala Jnana) at the age of 42, Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, began disseminating his teachings. His key principles included non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), chastity (Brahmacharya), and non-possessiveness (Aparigraha).
Compilation by Ganadharas Mahavira’s closest disciples, the Ganadharas, were tasked with compiling his teachings. These chief disciples were learned monks responsible for listening to, understanding, and systematizing his teachings. Mahavira had eleven main disciples, with Indrabhuti Gautama being the chief. They organized his teachings into twelve parts, known as Angas.
The Twelve Angas The term "Anga" translates to "part" or "limb" in Sanskrit. The twelve Angas are primary canonical texts representing different aspects of Jain philosophy and practice. Each Anga is like a limb, playing a specific role within the larger framework of Jain teachings, ensuring no overlap or redundancy. Collectively, they form a comprehensive body of knowledge essential for understanding and practicing Jainism. The Angas cover ethics, philosophy, cosmology, and conduct, and are foundational scriptures for the Śvētāmbara sect of Jainism. The twelve Angas are:
- Acharanga Sutra: Code of conduct for monks and nuns.
- Sutrakritanga Sutra: Philosophical discussions and refutations of heretical doctrines.
- Sthananga Sutra: Various categories of knowledge.
- Samavayanga Sutra: Numerical and categorical classification of knowledge.
- Vyakhyaprajnapti (Bhagavati) Sutra: Dialogues on cosmology and metaphysics.
- Jnatadharmakatha Sutra: Narratives and moral stories.
- Upasakadasa Sutra: Stories of ten exemplary lay followers.
- Antakrddasa Sutra: Stories of those who attained liberation.
- Anuttaraupapatikadasa Sutra: Narratives of souls that attained the highest heaven.
- Prasnavyakarana Sutra: Answers to various questions on Jain doctrine.
- Vipaka Sutra: Stories illustrating the results of karma.
- Drstivada Sutra: Discusses various viewpoints and doctrines (considered lost).
Significance of the Twelve Angas In the Śvētāmbara sect, the twelve Angas hold canonical authority and are considered the most authoritative texts. They have been preserved through oral transmission and later written manuscripts. The Digambara sect, however, believes that the original texts were lost after Mahavira’s nirvana and only fragments or later interpretations remain. The Digambaras have their own set of canonical texts, such as the Shatkhandagama and Kasayapahuda.
Upangas The Upangas are twelve auxiliary texts that expand on the teachings in the Angas, providing supplementary material, elaborations, and additional context. These secondary texts are an essential extension of the primary teachings.
Completion by Jambuswami Jambuswami, the second successor of the religious order established by Mahavira, is revered as the last omniscient being of the current time cycle in Jain tradition. By his time, the compilation of both the Angas and the Upangas was considered complete, marking a crucial phase in the preservation and consolidation of Jain scriptures. This period ensured that the teachings of Mahavira were preserved systematically and comprehensively, providing a structured framework for transmission to future generations.
Significance of the Compilations The completion of these compilations under Jambuswami ensured the preservation of Mahavira's teachings, enabling their transmission across generations. These texts laid the groundwork for further commentaries and expansions by later Jain scholars, thus maintaining the integrity of Jain doctrine. The Angas and Upangas are central to Jain religious and cultural identity, encapsulating core principles, ethical guidelines, and spiritual practices.
Link for Class: https://youtu.be/iQYWb5rt_8o
Link for PPT: https://drive.google.com/file/d/161MoUhvVdkJBX3hRZbmN3rRjqGmlKiNG/view?usp=sharing
The Twelve Angas and Upangas gives me an idea of what Jain Philosophy and its Practice contain. The oral transmission and written manuscripts reminds me of the ancient time when the text was complied through this methods.
ReplyDeleteThe 24 Tirthankaras' roles in Jainism and their contributions are remarkable. Each of them has imparted virtues that lead to enlightenment and help individuals become better members of society.
ReplyDeleteI am very much taken up by the concept God that everyone have the chance to become enlightened being in other words if they fulfill the laws of Jainism or attain salvation.
ReplyDeleteThe 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, began disseminating his teachings. His key principles included non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), chastity (Brahmacharya), and non-possessiveness (Aparigraha). These principles tech a person to lead life in a good manner.
ReplyDeleteMaintaining the integrity of the Jains were the prime most thing for the Jain Scholars. The groundwork of the scholars provided the broader outlook on the Jain Philosophy. These sacred scriptures also provided a concrete base for religion to get strengthened.
ReplyDeleteThe compilation of Angas and Upangas played an important role in preservation of the teachings. This would have been a drastic step in promoting Jainism and the teachings.
ReplyDeleteThe Angas and the Upangas made me to realise that 24 Tirthankaras are genuinely enlighten ones. Ordinary beings would never be able to teach or preach like them.
ReplyDeleteThe significance of the compilation under Jambuswami ensured the preservation of Mahavira's teachings, enabling their transmission across generations and bringing significant remarks to people's lives today.
ReplyDeleteJainism's profound teachings, compiled by Lord Mahavira's chief disciples into the twelve Angas, encompass essential aspects of Jain philosophy and practice, serving as foundational scriptures for the Śvētāmbara sect.
ReplyDeleteMahavira's principles A SA CA controls the behaviors of Jain community, disciples organized his teachings into 12 parts known as Angas represents jain philosophy and practice. The Angas cover ethics, cosmology, and conduct. They are considered the most authontative texts. 12 Upangas are essential extension of the primary teachings. Jambuswami completed angas and upangas.
ReplyDeleteTeachings of mahaviras were preserved and passed it on to next generation.
The angas and upangas are central to join religious and cultural identity, core principles, ethical guidelines and spiritual practices
The compilation of the angas must have had a similar story with us Christians collecting the scrolls and fragments of writing. It is only through the available written texts that we can have records and can understand the Jainism and its forefathers of that time.
ReplyDeleteThe Sacred scripture of Jainism is the teaching, preaching and spiritual direction of the Tirthankara which is guidelines for the Jain Monks, Nuns and lay people to lead a peaceful life. Though the two main sects of Jainism have different opinions about their sacred scripture yet, they it leads them towards the same goal of liberation of souls.
ReplyDeleteThe twelve Angas and Upangas helped me to know and understand the rich doctrine of the Jaina religion and their way of proceedings. It also gave me an insight that to carry forward anything, we need to preserve evidence.
ReplyDeleteSacred scriptures in Jainism is complied and arranged according to the practice of faith. Teachings are highly inspiring and revolutionary at that age.
ReplyDeleteSacred scriptures gives a revolutionary faith and teachings in Jainism .The twelve angas and other supplimentries to be complied took long period of time. The scripture is a central focal point of the belief.
ReplyDelete