R.K. Bengani
Contents of “Agams” are held in highest esteem by all followers of Jain religion – whether be monks/nuns or laypersons. Agams represent original sermons delivered by omniscients. After nirvana of Lord Mahaveer, for hundreds of years, there was a practice of memorizing the sermons verbatim by various monks and the knowledge used to be verbally passed on to next generations. Then there was a prolonged famine wherein several monks who had memorized those sermons met with untimely death. Some of them had no chance of passing on the valuable knowledge to their pupils. Plus due to adverse effect of time, the memory power of some monks started to fade. A gathering of then present acharyas decided that whatever knowledge was available, be put to paper. This immense task of writing went on for several years. Those written texts are commonly known as Agams.
Acharya Tulsi (middle) was the 9th acharya.Since then, a number of acharyas have written explanatory notes and commentaries on agams so that people can better understand the purport/ intended context of the texts. Several agams have been translated in many languages including Hindi and English. In earlier years, because of various reasons – including lack of availability of printed copies and explanatory notes/commentaries, study of agams was more or less limited to the circle of saints only. Things have greatly changed in recent years.
Of late, Acharyashri Mahaprajnaji has been encouraging lay persons also to study some of the agams. Consequently, Jain Vishwa Bharati, Ladnun has organized Agam Manthan Pratiyogita (Agam Churning Competition – means “Competition for Thorough Study of Agams“).
1420 persons from all over India took part in phase I of the competition and 2179 persons took part in phase II. A prize distribution ceremony for the winners was held in Gangasahar on 22nd Jan 2007.
| Bumper Prize |
Partial list of other prize winners was as under:
| Phase I | Dr Sashikala Chhajed |
| Mamta Sand | |
| Nirmala Sutaria | |
| Phase II | Puja Chopra |
| Alpa Khater | |
| Kamal Bothra | |
| Sashi Jain |
.
wish to convey our
Greetings and Best Wishes
not only to the prize winners but also to all the participants.
On this occasion, Shri Ratanji Chhalani, President of Terapanth Yuvak Parishad, Gangasahar said that studying of agams can be an auspicious start in attaining knowledge about the self (soul).
Yuvacharyashri Mahashramanji emphasized the importance of Agam study and said better concentration power, increased knowledge, spiritual development, progress towards equanimity etc benefits can be easily achieved by applying the guidelines stated in the agams.
Addressing the congregation, Acharyashri Mahaprajnaji said that people should understand the difference in doing what is up to one’s liking versus doing what is right thing to do. Doing as per liking may not always be the right thing. He said people do not have enough self control and that is the main reason for alarming spread of psychosomatic diseases. He said it was a good practice to study and apply the teachings carried in agams.
Shri Bhikamchandji Pugalia, Mantri, Jain Vishwa Bharati handed out the medals to the winners and Sri Surendraji Choradia, President of Jain Vishwa Bharti said a note of thanks.
Upon conclusion of the ceremony, it was time to go home for lunch which the hosts had so thoughtfully prepared.
In the afternoon, I was able to meet Shri Lunkaranji Chhajer, Mahamantri of Maryada Mahotsav Vyavastha Samiti for gaining some more insights in to arrangements that were in place for 143rd Maryada Mahotsav.
Please do visit this website again for a report on that meeting.