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What are the main teachings of the Agamas?
Picture a spiritual roadmap laid out by Mahavira himself, where every turn aims to free the soul from bondage. The Agamas unfold this journey in three interlocking gems:
Right Vision (Samyak Darśana): Seeing reality without distortion, recognizing the spark of divinity in every being. It’s like wiping fog from a window—suddenly, the world feels vivid and alive.
Right Knowledge (Samyak Jñāna): Learning the mechanics of karma, the nature of the self, and the layers of existence. Just as today’s climate summits spotlight our interconnectedness, Jain scriptures stress that every action ripples across the cosmos.
Right Conduct (Samyak Chāritra): Walking the talk by embracing five vows—ahimsā (non-violence), satya (truthfulness), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (chastity), and aparigraha (non-attachment). Think of these as ethical tools that trim the soul’s baggage, much like decluttering a home in tune with this year’s “Planet vs. Plastics” push.
Ethics in the Agamas aren’t dry rules. Ahimsā extends compassion even to the tiniest insect underfoot, while aparigraha challenges the hoarding mindset—something that dovetails beautifully with modern minimalism trends. Fasting and meditation, celebrated in daily practice and grand festivals like Paryushana, sharpen self-control and self-awareness.
The Agamas also offer a cosmology that positions every life form on a vast, interwoven tapestry. Liberation (mokṣa) isn’t a one-off event but the endgame of persistent self-purification, shedding karmic layers until the soul shines unburdened.
In a world that often races on autopilot, these teachings invite a pause, a moment to reflect: What if true freedom meant less clinging, more kindness, and a clear mirror of the soul? The Agamas whisper that answer—timeless guidance still ringing clear as day.