Philosophy In Jain Agams: Importance of Ācārāṅga

Ethical and spiritual code of conduct helps to attain the highest goal of life. Conduct is the cardinal factor of spirituality. Ācārāṅga deals with conduct hence this proves its importance. Since it deals with conduct, a predominant factor of spirituality, it has been recognised as the quintessence of all the aṅga.^[1]

Ācārāṅga also suggests the path for liberation, hence it is the basis of all teachings. It is the basic āgama that deals with the conduct of an ascetic. Thus immediately after initiation, monks first study Ācārāṅga. If the newly initiated monks study other āgamas before Ācārāṅga, then they have to expiate for this. Only after the study of Ācārāṅga, Dravyānuyoga (metaphysical explanations), Gaṇitānuyoga and Dharmakathānuyoga are permitted to be studied. A newly initiated ascetic has to be first introduced to the first chapter of Ācārāṅga, śastra parijñā. Only after the study of Ācārāṅga, a monk becomes eligible to go for alms.^[2]