Answer

The oldest Jain scriptures are traditionally considered to be the Āgamas, which preserve the teachings of Bhagwan Mahāvīr.

Among them, the Āchārāṅga Sūtra is often regarded as one of the oldest surviving Jain texts.

Explanation

In Jain tradition, Bhagwan Mahāvīr’s teachings were first transmitted orally by his chief disciples, the Gaṇadhars. Later, these teachings were organized into scriptures known as the Āgamas.

The Āchārāṅga Sūtra is especially important because it discusses:

• Conduct of Jain monks
• Non-violence
• Self-discipline
• Renunciation
• The life and spiritual practice of Bhagwan Mahāvīr

Important Note

Different Jain traditions have different views about the preservation of the original scriptures:

• Śvetāmbara tradition accepts the Āgamas as preserved scriptures.
• Digambara tradition holds that the original Āgamas were gradually lost, and later texts such as the Ṣaṭkhaṇḍāgama and Kaṣāyapāhuda are among the oldest important surviving Digambara scriptures.

Takeaway

If speaking broadly, the oldest Jain scriptural tradition is the Āgama tradition. If asking about an individual surviving text, the Āchārāṅga Sūtra is commonly regarded as one of the oldest Jain texts.