The Angas constitute the sacred literature of?
VerifiedAnswer: Jains
Explanation:
The Angas form the core sacred texts of Jainism, one of the world's oldest religions. These ancient scriptures contain the fundamental teachings and principles that guide millions of Jains across the world in their spiritual journey.
The word "Anga" literally means "limb" in Sanskrit, suggesting that these texts are like the essential limbs or parts of Jain religious literature. Originally, there were twelve Angas that comprised the primary canon of Jain scriptures, though the twelfth Anga called "Drishtivada" has been lost over time.
These sacred texts are believed to contain the direct teachings of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. The Angas cover various aspects of Jain philosophy, ethics, cosmology, and religious practices. They provide detailed guidance on how to live a life of non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness, and spiritual purification.
The eleven surviving Angas include important texts like the Acharanga Sutra, which deals with conduct and behavior, and the Sutrakritanga, which discusses philosophical debates and religious practices. These texts are written in Prakrit language, which was commonly spoken during the time of Lord Mahavira.
It's important to understand that while both major sects of Jainism - Svetambaras and Digambaras - recognize the significance of these ancient texts, they have different views regarding their authenticity and preservation. The Svetambara sect accepts the existing Angas as authentic, while the Digambara sect believes that the original Angas have been lost completely over time.
