Dharma
Dharma

Author: Veena R. Howard

Publisher:

Published:

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781350986084

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"Dharma is central to all the indigenous religious traditions of India, which cannot adequately be understood apart from it. Often translated as "ethics", "religion" or "religious law", dharma possesses elements of each of these but is not confined to any single category. Neither is it the equivalent of what many in the West might usually consider to be "a philosophy". This much-needed analysis of the history and heritage of dharma shows that it is instead a multi-faceted religious force, or paradigm, that has defined and that continues to shape the different cultures and civilizations of South Asia in a whole multitude of forms, organizing many aspects of life. Experts in the fields of Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, and Sikh studies here bring fresh insights to dharma in terms both of its distinctiveness and its commonality as these are expressed across, and between, the several religions of the subcontinent. Exploring ethics, practice, history, and social and gender issues, the contributors engage critically with some prevalent and often problematic interpretations of dharma, and point to new ways of appreciating these traditions in a manner that is appropriate to and thoroughly consistent with their varied internal debates, practices and self-representations."--

Ahimsa, Anekanta and Jainism
Ahimsa, Anekanta and Jainism

Author: Tara Sethia

Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass

Published: 2004-01-01

Total Pages: 264

ISBN-13: 8120820312

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Motilal Banarsidas (www.mlbd.co.in, [email protected]) Essays in this volume offer fresh insights into Jain principles of Ahimsa and Anekanta by examining their meaning and historical significance and demonstrating their relevance and role in addressing contemporary issues of intolerance, conflict, violence and war. Contributors to this book bring perspectives from the disciplines of philosophy, religious studies, history and art history.

The Jaina Path of Purification
The Jaina Path of Purification

Author: Padmanabh S. Jaini

Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass Publishe

Published: 1998

Total Pages: 400

ISBN-13: 9788120815780

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The religious tradition of the Jainas, unique in many respects, presents a fascinating array of doctrinal and social structures that stem from the anti-vedic movements of ancient times. Drawing extensively on primary sources, Professor Jaini provides a comprehensive introduction to the Jaina experience. Beginning with the Life of Mahavira the author elucidates the essentials of Jaina cosmology and philosophy as well as of the path of purification through which the soul may escape from its Karmic defilements and attain eternal salvation. This path constitutes the integral element within the broader frame-work of Jaina literature, lay ritual and the socio-historical factors, which enabled Jainism to survive and prosper to the present day. In particular, the author has examined the cardinal doctrine of ahimsa (non-harming), both in its impact upon Jaina religious consciousness and as a standard in applying its sacred principles to the conduct of every day life.

Ahimsa
Ahimsa

Author: Andrea Diem-Lane

Publisher:

Published: 2016-08-16

Total Pages: 58

ISBN-13: 9781565438156

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Jainism arose as a systematic response to human and animal violence by positing a radical alternative-the path of ahimsa or non-violence. Their argument is a simple but profound one. If we can lessen the pain and suffering of those around us why not choose that option instead of needlessly perpetuating the never-ending cycle of violent retribution. Jainism raises a most pregnant question for all of us: how big is our circle of compassion? Can we extend its circumference beyond our selves and ken to include other human beings not of our tribe and even further to include animals and other living beings? In those brief moments where we almost instinctively lash out others, can we instead pause and change our responses? The Jains believe that we can and have of demonstrated over hundreds of years of how it can be ecologically and ethically successful. This book is a brief introduction to the Jain religion, including a close look at its inception and how it evolved over time to its present day status. Special attention will be given to how Jain ideals such as ahimsa and anekantavada (the doctrine of non one-sidedness) can serve as a much needed and welcome panacea to the world's strife and misery. Although Jainism is perhaps the smallest of the world's religions, what it has to offer humankind is of inestimable value.