About the Book As the title of the work may also suggest, INTRODUCING JAINISM' is an epitomised presentation of the themes and theories of Jaina Religion and Philosophy. It covers Puranas on one hand and, on the other, the history of Jainism along with the schismatic currents which developed in the Jaina order. This work includes, in a brief and lucid way, the treatment of Anekänteväda and the principles of Soul, Ahimsa, Karma, Ethics, Liberation and Godhood. These doctrines are elucidated and explained in the modern perspective, both social and national, which, in turn, may be expected to arouse interest and curiosity of the readers for a deeper and critical study of Jainistic thought and reality.
About the Author Dr. Jain was blessed with an urge for learning from his early days of life. He was specially interested in the study of Mathematics and Philosophy, which he successfully pursued to the M.A. level. He completed his research in the field of Philosophy with his thesis 'Structure and Functions of Soul in Jainism'. It was followed by the English translation with comments of a very popular Hindi poetic work 'CHHAHA DHALA' by Pt. Daulat Ram, dealing with the principles of Jainism. This work inspired him to enter the sphere of Jaina Adhyatmaváda. As a result Dr. Jain brought to light the English translation with annotations of a voluminous Sanskrit work 'Yoga Sara' by Acharya Amitagati. Then Dr. Jain turned to the translation of a very concise Sanskrit work 'Saptabhangi Tarangini' by Vimaldas, dealing with the Jaina theory of seven fold predication. This work is also expected to come out of the press shortly.
Besides, Dr. Jain has a score of published research articles on various topics of Jaina Philosophy to his credit. These articles are problematic and thought-provoking, and are intended to be published as a collection under the title 'Problems of Jaina Philosophy'.
Preface The urge for introducing Jainism-the tenets of Jaina philosophy and religion-has been active among the followers of Jainism since the very time of Lord Mahavira. Since then a good number of acaryas have been busy introducing the message of Mahavira to the people in its various aspects. It became more than a missionary duty with them to continue the programme unbroken during the rolling years. At present also many pandits and scholars are carrying the programme with all possible zeal and enthusiasm. In the same chain I am humbly presenting my 'Introducing Jainism' before the worthy readers as an addition in the same field; and request them to take it only as introducing Jainism. I also hope that this work will provide them elements of information. comparison and devotion along with an encouragement for a deep and critical study of Jainism under the sway of science and modern society.
The present work has been divided into eleven chapters knit and fitted together to yield a continuous and interesting reading. The first chapter aims at providing the traditional and historical background for studies in Jainism. The carriage of the tradition, as usual, has not been very smooth. It has suffered more than one deviation and jerk, specially in the post-Mahavira time. So is the second chapter of the work deals with an account of such schisms. both big and small. It ends with a hope of reviving the undivided Jainism under the new climate of religious tolerance on the part of the present adherents of the Faith.
**Contents and Sample Pages**
