Acharanga Sutra discusses the conduct of a Jain monk. It was the first text that was studied by the Jain monks. The existing text of the Acaranga Sutra is used by the Svetambara sect of Jainism. It was recompiled and edited by Kshamashraman Devardhigani, who headed the council held at Valabhi 980 years after the death of Mahavira.
The Acharanga Sutra is the oldest agam written in Ardhamagadhi Prakrit. It contains two Srutaskandhas. The first book is the older part to which treatises were later added. The first book contains the conduct and behaviour of ascetic life. It also describes the penance of Lord Mahavira. The second book is divided into four sections known as Kulas. Rules for conduct of ascetics have been mentioned in both the sections.
In Samavayanga and the Nandi the Acharanga has been described in details. Acharanga recommends purity in all aspects. The nine chapters of Acharanga Sutra have been dealt by Acharya Umasvati and they are: Sadjivanikaya yatana , Abandoning of ego over worldly things, Conquest over trials and ordeals of life, unshakable perception on virtue, detachment from worldly affairs, process to destroy the karmas, service towards elders, penance and renunciation of attachment to sexual objects.
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