Answer

In Jain Dharma, Agams are the sacred scriptures that preserve the teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir as remembered and transmitted by the Ganadhars and later Acharyas.

The “difference between the Agams” mainly refers to the different types or categories of Agam literature. Each category has a different purpose.

Explanation

The Jain Agams are traditionally grouped into different sections, especially in the Shvetambar tradition. The main categories are:

• Anga Agams
  These are the principal scriptures. They contain core teachings on conduct, philosophy, karma, spiritual discipline, and the path to liberation.
• Upanga Agams
  These are supplementary scriptures connected with the Angas. They explain many topics through stories, cosmology, philosophy, and spiritual discussions.
• Chheda Sutras
  These mainly deal with monastic discipline, rules for monks and nuns, repentance, correction of faults, and proper conduct within the sangh.
• Mula Sutras
  These are foundational texts, especially important for new monks and nuns. They teach basic discipline, duties, and spiritual awareness.
• Culika Sutras
  These are auxiliary texts that help in understanding scriptural study, classification, and method of learning.
• Prakirnaka Sutras
  These are miscellaneous texts dealing with various religious practices, reflections, rituals, vows, death with spiritual awareness, and other topics.

Important Note

Different Jain traditions understand the Agams differently:

• Shvetambar tradition accepts many Agams as preserved scriptures, though it also recognizes that some original texts were lost over time.
• Digambar tradition holds that the original Anga Agams were gradually lost and are no longer available in their complete original form.

So, the difference is not only in subject matter, but also in how different Jain traditions view their preservation and authority.

Spiritual Understanding

The Agams are not merely books of knowledge. They guide a soul toward:

• Right Faith
• Right Knowledge
• Right Conduct
• Non-violence
• Self-discipline
• Liberation from karma

Each type of Agam supports spiritual progress in a different way. Some teach philosophy, some teach conduct, some teach discipline, and some inspire detachment.

Takeaway

The Agams differ by their purpose, subject, and role. Together, they preserve the Jain path of knowledge, conduct, discipline, and liberation.