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Jainism is an ancient religion that originated in India around the
6th century BCE. Jain scriptures, known as the Agamas, are the
primary source of Jain doctrine and philosophy. These scriptures
were transmitted orally from generation to generation before they
were finally written down around 500 CE.
INTRODUCTION
4. There are specific principles of Jainism which mention many of the teachings and actions
connecting to liberation and salvation. All the principles relate to specify the facts and clear the
confusion of what is Jainism. Some of the basic principles of Jainism, which mention the path to
Nirvana and eternal salvation:
Ahimsa (Non-violence)
Satya (Truthfulness)
Acharya (Non-stealing)
Aparigraha (non-possessiveness)
Celibacy
MAIN PRINCIPLES OF JAINISM
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5. The fundamental aim of the Jain faith is to perfect the soul,
which can be done only by following the teachings of the Jinas.
Jains believe that the 24 Jinas revealed the essential truths of the
universe and provided guidance to reaching liberation from the
cycle of rebirth.
The teachings of the most recent Jina, Mahāvīra, were set down
in the scriptures, which state the principal concepts Jains should
believe and by which they should live. Over the centuries
teachers and thinkers have written extensively on Jain beliefs and
the rules of living that support them. Living according to these
rules, whether mendicant or lay, puts religious principles into
practice and helps Jains develop spiritually and eventually gain
emancipation.
JAINS BELIEF:
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6. Lord Mahavir's preaching was methodically compiled by his
followers into many texts. These texts are collectively known as
Agams, the sacred books of the Jain religion.The Agamas are
classified into two main categories:
1. The Angas
2. The Upangas
The Angas are the primary texts and comprise 12 separate books
that cover topics such as Jain philosophy, ethics, cosmology, and
rituals. The Upangas are secondary texts that cover topics such
as Jain history, mythology, and meditation practices.
AGAMAS:
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7. THE ANGAS:
The Angas are considered to be the most important texts in Jainism. They
are believed to have been taught by Lord Mahavira, the last of the 24
Tirthankaras, or spiritual leaders, of Jainism. The 12 Angas are:
Acharanga Sutra
Sutrakritanga Sutra
Sthananga Sutra
Samavayanga Sutra
Vyakhya Prajnapti
Jnatrdharmakathanga Sutra
Upasakadasanga Sutra
Antakriddaaashanga Sutra
Anuttarova Vaiyavachcha Sutra
Prajnapana Sutra
Vipaka Sutra
Drishtivada Sutra Back
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The Upangas are secondary texts that cover topics not covered by the
Angas. There are 12 Upangas in total, and some of the most important
ones are:
Aupapatika Sutra
Prajna Prakriti
Jambudvipa Prajnapti
Prajnapana Sutra
Chaturvishati Tattva Sutra
THE UPANGAS:
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Jainism is an Indian religion that teaches disciplined nonviolence
(ahimsa, literally "non-injury") to all living creatures as a road to
spiritual purity and enlightenment. Jainism is one of the three oldest
Indian religious traditions still in existence, alongside Hinduism and
Buddhism, and is an important aspect of South Asian religious belief
and practice.
CONCLUSION