The Jaina Path of PurificationThe 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. |
Contents
The First Disciples and the Jaina Scriptures | 42 |
The Nature of Reality | 89 |
The Mechanism of Bondage | 107 |
Copyright | |
2 other sections not shown
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
ācārya activities aghātiyā ahimsā Ājīvika alms Ananda ancient Anga arhat aspirant attainment birth body bondage brahman Buddhist called canon century ceremony clothing conduct darśana death defiled dhyāna Digambara disciples doctrine evam example existence fasting gaṇadharas Gautama gods Gosāla guṇasthāna hence Hindu holy householder human Ibid Indian Indrabhūti intro involves Jain Jaina Jaina community Jaina monk Jaini Jainism Jina Jina-image Jina's Jinasena jīva kāla karmas karmic karmic matter kaṣāya kevalajñāna kevalin king laity layman loka-ākāśa Mahā Mahāvīra mahāvratas meditation mendicant mokṣa ṇam nirvāņa non-Jaina nudity omniscient one's Pārśva passions path possessions practice Prakrit pratimā pūjā rebirth religious renunciation restraint ritual sacred sallekhanā salvation sāmāyika Sāmkhya samsāra samyak-darśana Sanskrit scriptures sect sense siddha soul soul's spiritual śramaņa stage Sthānakavāsi substance sūtra Suttāgame Śvetāmbara syādvāda teachers teachings temple texts tion Tirthankara tradition types Vedic vows vratas worldly worship yakṣas