What's 32 aagam
1
Answer
In Jain Dharma, the 32 Āgams usually refers to the 32 accepted Jain scriptures of the Śvetāmbara Mūrtipūjak tradition.
These Āgams are the sacred scriptures that preserve the teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir as passed down through the Jain tradition.
Explanation
The 32 Āgams are commonly grouped as:
- 11 Anga Āgams
- 12 Upānga Āgams
- 4 Mūla Sūtras
- 4 Cheda Sūtras
- 1 Āvaśyaka Sūtra
Together, these are counted as 32 Āgams in this tradition.
Important Note
Different Jain traditions count scriptures differently. For example:
- Śvetāmbara Mūrtipūjak tradition commonly accepts 32 Āgams.
- Sthānakavāsī and Terāpanth traditions usually accept a different count.
- Digambar tradition does not accept the presently available Āgams as the original complete canon.
Takeaway
The 32 Āgams are a major scriptural foundation in the Śvetāmbara Jain tradition, guiding Jain philosophy, conduct, discipline, worship, and spiritual practice.