Answer

In Jain Dharma, Aagams are the sacred scriptures that preserve the teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir and the earlier Tirthankars.

They contain guidance on:

• Jain philosophy
• Right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct
• Ahimsa, truth, non-attachment, and self-discipline
• Monastic rules
• Karma theory
• Spiritual practices and liberation

Explanation

The word Aagam means “that which has come down through tradition.” Jain Aagams were originally transmitted orally by the Ganadhars, the chief disciples of Bhagwan Mahavir, based on his divine preaching.

Over time, these teachings were preserved, recited, compiled, and studied by Jain Acharyas.

Different Jain traditions have different views about the preservation of the Aagams:

• Shvetambar tradition accepts a body of Aagam scriptures that were preserved and compiled.
• Digambar tradition holds that the original Aagams were gradually lost over time, though their essence is preserved through later authoritative texts by great Acharyas.

Spiritual Understanding

Aagams are important because they guide the soul toward purification and liberation. They teach how to reduce passions like anger, pride, deceit, and greed, and how to live with compassion, restraint, and awareness.

Takeaway

Aagams are the foundational Jain scriptures that preserve the path of right knowledge, right conduct, non-violence, and liberation taught by the Tirthankars.