Reverence for Agam Guides Our Life - Yuvacharya Mahendra Rishi*

**Chennai,  In a discourse at the AMKM Jain Memorial Center, where he is currently residing for Chaturmas, Yuvacharya Mahendra Rishi Maharaj emphasized the importance of reverence for Agam scriptures in guiding our lives. He noted that as Chaturmas begins, devotees immerse themselves in listening to the teachings of the Jain Agamas to make their lives more spiritual, vibrant, and joyful. He remarked that the Jain Agamas are filled with profound meanings, and even today, research continues in Europe, particularly in Germany. Yuvacharya highlighted that while we are fortunate to have these scriptures, they were initially preserved through oral tradition before being documented for future generations.

He explained that having a sense of reverence and curiosity about the Agamas strengthens our lives. Among the 3200 Agamas, the Bhagavati Sutra is the largest, encompassing numerous topics. Acharya Abhaydeva Suri provided interpretations of the nine Angas, with the first Sutra of the Bhagavati Sutra being particularly remarkable and awe-inspiring. The Sutra, titled "Jayakunjan," is revered by deities.

Maha Sati Divyayashashri Ji, in her address, compared the beauty of a lotus and a pond to the relationship between monks, nuns, and the Jain community. She stressed the importance of vows and disciplines in making human life meaningful. She urged listeners to prioritize taking vows, noting that failing to do so diminishes the value of life. Divyayashashri Ji emphasized that the merit of taking vows outweighs the sin of breaking them.

During a special five-day program at the AMKM Jain Memorial, Yuvacharya Mahendra Rishi M.S. conducted a class on the principles and practices of karma. This class, attended by 300 youths, takes place from Monday to Friday, 8 to 9 AM. Yuvacharya explained the nature and principles of karma in simple terms, highlighting the Jain perspective on the causes of happiness and sorrow. He discussed how karma, formed through thoughts, speech, and actions, binds to the soul and how understanding these principles can help alleviate past karmas.

He detailed the eight types of karma, starting with Jnanavarniya Karma, which obscures knowledge. This type of karma hinders the soul’s natural capacity to know, much like clouds blocking sunlight. Future classes will delve into how such karmas are formed, their effects, and methods to mitigate them. The arrangement of this special class was made possible by the contributions of Surendrakumar Ved and Nitesh Barmecha.

*Reported by: Spokesperson Sunil Chaplot, 9414730514, Shri Vardhman Sthanakvasi Jain Mahasangh, Chennai*