Jain literature
The fourteen Purvas is a large book of all the teachings of the Tirthankaras. This book had all the knowledge a person should know about the universe. The myth is that these scriptures are lost, if a person was to have the Purvas then they would be known as a srutakevali, which means that they have a superior status over others. There are two different kinds of literature called Agam, which is the sacred texts of Jainism. Then there is non-Agam, that is the commentary and explanation of these texts.
Holy Books
Th Kalpa Sutra is one of the most sacred texts in Jainism. It contains the life stories of the all the Trithankara, but mostly focuses on the teacher Mahavira. It is also read on the eighth day of the festival Paryushan. The word Kalpa means " an item that fulfills all wishes". Many Jains believe that if they read the entire book then they will fulfill all their desires.
Prayers
Forgiveness Prayer:
I forgive all living beings;
may all living beings forgive me,
All living beings are my friends;
I have malice towards none.
Prayer for Happiness to all:
May the entire universe be blissful;
May all beings be engaged in each other's well being. May all weakness, sickness and faults vanish;
May everyone be healthy, peaceful, and blissful everywhere
I forgive all living beings;
may all living beings forgive me,
All living beings are my friends;
I have malice towards none.
Prayer for Happiness to all:
May the entire universe be blissful;
May all beings be engaged in each other's well being. May all weakness, sickness and faults vanish;
May everyone be healthy, peaceful, and blissful everywhere
"Page from a Kalpasutra manuscript showing Mahavira preaching (left) and discoursing (right)"
15th century
15th century