Jaina Culture (A Brief Introduction)

Prof. Dr. Mohan Lal Mehta Born on 9th April, 1928. in a poor family of Kanod (Udaipur-Rajasthan).

Received early education at Kanod and Beawar (Jam Gurukul).

A student of the Parshvanath Vidyashram, Varanasi, from 1946 to 1956. Obtained Doctorate in 1955.

Served the Education Department. Government of Rajasthan, as a Gazetted Officer, for 5 years (1956-61).

Worked as Deputy Director of the L. D. Institute of Indology. Ahmedabad, for 3 years (1961-64).

Served the P. V. Research Institute, Varanasi, as its Director, for 14 years (1964-78). Also worked as Honorary Professor of Jainology and Prakrit at the Banaras Hindu University and taught Post-Graduate classes and guided Research Scholars.

Served as Professor of Jain Philosophy at the University of Poona for 10 years (1978-88).

His books have earned him laurels from the Governments of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Undertook world-tour in 1975 and delivered lectures on various aspects of Jainology in different Universities and Institutes.

The present work is the second edition of the author's book published in 1969 by the P. V. Research Institute, Varanasi. The author Dr. Mohan Lal Mehta is an international scholar of Jainism. He has authored a number of books on Jaina Philosophy, Psychology, Epistemology, Culture, Literature etc. He is the principal author of the 'Prakrit Proper Names,' a monumental work in two volumes, published by the L. D. Institute of Indology, Ahmedabad. He has been the founder Director of the P. V. Research Institute, Varanasi and the founder Professor of Jaina Philosophy at the University of Poona.

We thank Dr. Mehta for giving us an opportunity to publish this edition. We are also thankful to Mr. Mohan Lal Khariwal, C.A., H. C. Khincha & Co., 151, Avenue Road, Bangalore - 2, for taking keen interest and initiative in publishing this edition and inspiring Pandit Jodhraj Surana Abhinandan Kosh, Bangalore, for rendering financial help. The Kosh had also helped in publishing Dr. Mehta's other two books, namely, Jaina Philosophy : An Introduction (Published by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bangalore, 1998) and Jaina Psychology : An Introduction (Published by Parshvanath Vidyapeeth, Varanasi, 2002). Our thanks are also due to Dr. Siddheshwar Tagwale, Proprietor, Yog Enterprises, Pune, for the excellent printing of the book.

The present treatise gives an introduction to the Jaina branch of Indian culture. Jainism is one of the most ancient religions of India. It represents now the 'Sramanic (ascetic) culture in India. Indian culture is a composite culture. Brahmanism and Sramanism are its two most predominant trends. This work presents a brief account of all the important aspects of. Jaina culture.

The treatise is divided into nine chapters. The first chapter is devoted to the antiquity and history of Jainism.The second chapter gives a brief introduction to the Jaina literature. The third chapter deals with reality. The nature of knowledge is discussed in the fourth chapter. The fifth one is devoted to judgment. The doctrine of karma Is dealt with in the sixth chapter. The seventh one gives a brief account of reincarnation. The nature of conduct is presented in the eighth chapter. The last chapter gives an estimate of art and architecture.

**Content and Sample Pages**