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Which of the following is the sacred text of Jainism that contains the teachings of Lord Mahavira?
Tripitaka
Agama Sutras
Vedas
Upanishads
Agama Sutras
The Agama Sutras are the canonical texts of Jainism, compiled based on the sermons of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara. These texts were orally transmitted by his chief disciples, known as Ganadharas, and constitute the foundation of Jain philosophy and conduct.
The Agama Sutras are the canonical texts of Jainism, compiled based on the sermons of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara. These texts were orally transmitted by his chief disciples, known as Ganadharas, and constitute the foundation of Jain philosophy and conduct.
The Jain religion was divided into two major sects, Digambara and Svetambara, during the First Jain Council held at Pataliputra in the 3rd century BCE, which attempted to codify these canonical texts.
The original teachings of Lord Mahavira are referred to as the Purvas, which are now considered lost.
The Svetambara sect accepts 45 Agama texts, while the Digambara sect believes the original knowledge was lost and follows their own scripture, such as Shatkhandagama.
The language used in these early canonical texts is Ardha-Magadhi Prakrit, a common language of the common people during the time of Mahavira.
Tripitaka is the sacred canon of Buddhism, consisting of the Vinaya, Sutta, and Abhidhamma Pitakas.
Vedas are the oldest foundational scriptures of Hinduism, comprising the Rig, Sama, Yajur, and Atharva Vedas.
Upanishads represent the philosophical essence of the Vedas, focusing on the concepts of Atman and Brahman.
The compilation of the final version of the Agama Sutras took place at the Council of Valabhi in the 5th century CE under the leadership of Devardhi Kshamashramana.
B is correct тАФ Agama Sutras are the sacred collection of texts that preserve the teachings and preachings of Lord Mahavira.
When preparing for ancient history, always contrast the language of Jain scriptures (Prakrit) with the language of early Buddhist scriptures (Pali) to avoid confusion in exam questions.