Answer

In Jain tradition, the Agams are not considered ordinary books written by one human author.

They are the sacred teachings of the Tirthankars, especially Bhagwan Mahavir Swami, which were first understood and taught by His chief disciples called Ganadhars.

Explanation

According to Jain tradition:

• Bhagwan Mahavir gave spiritual teachings through divine preaching.
• His Ganadhars, especially Gautam Swami and other chief disciples, organized and transmitted these teachings.
• These teachings were preserved orally for many generations by Jain monks.
• Later, they were compiled and written down by Acharyas to preserve them.

In the Shwetambar Jain tradition, the Agams are accepted as preserved scriptures of Bhagwan Mahavir’s teachings.

In the Digambar Jain tradition, it is believed that the original Agams were gradually lost over time.

Takeaway

The Agams are understood as the teachings of the Tirthankars, organized by the Ganadhars, preserved by the Jain monk tradition, and later compiled in written form.