Product Description
Second U.S. edition of a highly acclaimed, simple introduction to Jainism, an ancient (more than 2600 years old) but currently relevant religion from India. Written in a clear and friendly style, full of explanations, and a gradual, stepwise presentation of its fundamental principles. For personal or classroom study. Equally interesting for non-Jains of either Indian, non-Indian, or Western origin, and for students and scholars of non-violence, vegetarianism, and ecology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

An Introduction to Jainism by Dr. Bharat S. Shah
This is an excellent and practical introduction to Jainism especially for young Jains born in the countries other than India. Dr. Shah has emphasized the practice part of Jainism rather than theories. He has covered all the major practices practiced by lay Jains today in India in their daily life. He has kept the discussion at the level that is logically acceptable by a lay person or the one who has no roots in Jainism.

Informative and interesting
Having been reluctant to learn about Jainism my entire life, this book showed me that a book does not have to be boring just because it's about religion. I really like the author's writing style and his simple approach to explaining what I always thought were complicated tenets. I highly recommend this book.

This book is really worth your while
This book is very unique in the world of books on Jainism.My experience has been that most books presume you already have a great deal of understanding of Jainism before you start reading them or that you are veryreligious.While this book ismost likelyinformative for those readers, I do not fall under those categories.This book taught me what Jainismis about without telling me what rituals I must follow and withoutpreaching to me about my shortcomings as a Jain.it is very simply writtenand really teaches the reader about all aspects of the religion, includinginteresting stories about its development.I highly recommend this book toanyone who wants to learn about Jainism. ... Read more

Book Description
An introduction to Jainism, one of the oldest religions in the world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Nothing To Do With Jainism
I purchased this book with the assumption that it would be about certain ecological concepts found w/in the Jain belief system and give a brief history of the movement.No dice!

These are essays about the inner workings of a hopeless romantic written by the romantic.In his own book certain Jains tell the author that he has a distorted rose-colored view of Jainism.This doesn't stop him from fantasizing about the incomparable excellency of his new pet project/belief.Bottom line, this book is trite.

There are generally two categories of analysis for Westerners that view different cultures and realities.1:Disdain everything that isn't Western as backward, inefficient, done in ignorance.2:Fall blindly in love with anything that isn't Western and live in a puppy-love state of infatuation with it.Thereby restricting yourself from ever gaining a true, objective understanding of the culture, belief, etc.Mr. Tobias is a #2.A hopeless Oriental-o-phile that doesn't even give a brief history of the people or significant reference to any of their literature that he professes to have experienced in such a life-changing manner.

I'm a vegan.I don't eat or wear animal, but this book left me desiring some real "meat" or substance concerning this topic.I'm going to try another book that is hopefully more considerate of the peoples culture, history, philosophy.

OK But not my Type
I have ready many books on Jainism.This one is not so much concered with a general look of Jaina practices and philosophy as it is on the Jaina prinicple of nonviolence (ahimsa), and a few other topics.Much of it is the author's own ideas on nonviolence.

Great book on Jainism - Religion of Non-Violance(Ahimsa)
This is the best book on Jainism. Michael Tobias has described non-violance(ahimsa) in great details. Everyone knows Gandhi but many don't know driving force behind Gandhi's Ahimsa. Gandhi's spiritual leader, Shrimad Rajchandra(or Raichandbhai in Gandhi's autobiography)was Jain.

He has also tried to depict differences between Jainism and Baudhdhism, where applicable. By birth, I'm Jain(and trying to be Jain by act)and I appreciate many historical perspective on Jainism.
Also, as mentioned in the book, Jainism is scientific religion - covering Physics, Math and other subjects. This is great book not only for spiritual reading but also for environmental understanding.

I got this book from the library. I'm going to buy few copies and going to give them to my spiritual friends.

interesting, but...
Well, it's an OK survey book, but I was put off by the author's co-opting Jain principles to rail on about non-vegetarians, the beef industry, and environmentalism.I don't necessarily disagree with some of his positions, but I purchased the book to expand my knowledge of Jainism, not for the author's social agenda.

A better alternative is Hemacandra's The Lives of the Jain Elders (R.C.C. Fynes, ed.), which has a brief history and overview of Jainism, though it's limited to the White-clad Jains.The translation of Hemacandra's work is a very readable intro to some of the moral precepts of the religion.

A great book
Most likely, this book was the most rewarding reading experience I have ever had. It was certainly money well spent.
I just regret that I did not discover this treasure earlier.
Buy two copies and give one to your best friend! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A comprehensive, accurate and up-to-date survey of Jainism.
At Last! Here is a comprehensive, accurate and up-to-date survey of the Jain community and its ancient faith, written by a well-known practising Jain. In two substantial volumes, totalling around 700 pages, Dr NatubhaiShah has produced what will surely be the definitive guide to Jainism for along time to come. There is nothing to match it in any European language.These two volumes should be in every important reference library and inevery academic library where world religions are studied. Scholars willwant their own copy for constant reference (and enjoyment, for this is avery enjoyable work). The author draws on his own experience as a Jain bybirth, upbringing and sincere belief, as well as on his extensive studiesin English and Indian languages, to present a full picture which isunrivalled in the available literature. He discusses the history ofJainism, the Jain community and popular religion, the modern situation andcurrent trends. In the second volume he ranges widely over the Jain view ofthe universe, philosophy, logic and science. He outlines the corpus ofsacred scriptures and describes the Jain heritage in art and architecture:Jain temples are amongst the finest in India. He ends his work by placingJainism in the context of the world's spiritual quest. The two volumes arehandsomely produced, with well-chosen illustrations. They are well-indexed,with bibliographies of works in English and Indian languages and anextensive glossary of Sanskrit and Prakrit terms. ... Read more

Book Description
The twenty-five-hundred-year-old tradition of Jainism, which emphasizes nonviolence as the only true path leading to liberation, offers a worldview seemingly compatible with the goals of environmental activism. But can Jainism adopt a sociocentric environmentalism without compromising its own ascetic principles and spiritual tradition? How does traditional Jain cosmology view the natural world? How might a Jain ethical system respond to decisions regarding the development of dams, the proliferation of automobiles, overcrowding due to overpopulation, or the protection of individual animal species? Can there be a Jain environmental activism that addresses both the traditional concern for individual self-purification and the contemporary dilemma of ecosystem degradation? The voices in this volume reflect the dynamic nature of the Jain faith and its willingness to engage in discussion on a modern social issue. ... Read more

Book Description
Jainism and the New Spirituality is a sumptuous, 224-page exploration of an ancient and relatively little-known faith that is surprisingly relevant for the 21st century. Professor Parikh explains Jainism and links it to the newly emerging universal spirituality. He suggests that an understanding of new spirituality is essential to deal with current global issues. This is especially relevant to today's youth. Jainism and the New Spirituality offers explanations and assists it's readers in redefining spirituality for themselves and their communities.

Jainism and the New Spirituality is valuable reading on spiritual values, world religions, the multi-faith movement, peace, ecology and social justice. It is also an excellent resource for students of Jainism - young and old. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Simpl and informative
Dr. Paikh has done a great service by writing this book. the book is particularly good for beginer and intermediate level reader. The book is v. organized and written scientifically. Author has put a new idea about timeline of Jain history. The book was of great help to me for preparing a presentation on Jainism.

RECOMMENDED READING
This is a wonderful book on Jainism - for those who know nothing about it as well as those who already have some background. It has a lot of good information but it is also very easy to read. Dr. Parikh has explained the concepts thoroughly and in an interesting way. You can definitely tell that he has experience as a teacher.

He presented the history and background clearly, and I have to say, it makes sense.You don't get the feeling that he is being preachy, which is refreshing.

The principles of Jainism are relevant to everyone, no matter what religion they practice.Anyone interested in a "peaceful world" (and who's not?) would enjoy reading this book.Indeed, the book is published by Peace Publications - how perfect.

The book also has examples of stunning monuments and art. Overall I enjoyed it and found it useful for me and my family.

*RECOMMENDED*

VERY readable and interesting
This is a great book on Jainism - for newbies as well as those who already have some background. It has a lot of good information but it is also very easy to read. Dr. Parikh has explained the concepts thoroughly and in an interesting way. You can definitely tell that he has experience as a teacher.

The book also has some great artwork. I enjoyed it and found it useful for me and my family.

**Highly Recommended** ... Read more

Book Description
This book gives Jaina logic together with present trends in scientific thinking and indicates how Jainism and modern science are related. At many places a sharper scientific pictorial representation has been given. The study constructs four axioms which highlight the foundation of Jainism. It discusses the theoretical and applied aspects of these axioms and examines their plausibility in modern context. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

For the first time Religion supercedes Science !
I being a Jain have dug deep into the teachings of Jainism often and one of the reasons why Jainism to me is more than a religion is because of its absolutely scientific foundations. This book opens up Jainism to a non-Jainand presents to the reader the underlying _scientific_ reasons for Jainteachings. This book goes on to explain the beauty of Jainism which, whilefocussing on your soul, includes cent per cent benefits for your health.This book also mentions teachings of Jainism, the logic of which sciencedoes not agree to today. But going by the track record :) of Jain teachingswhich date thousands of years back when science was not a system, it can besafely said that science should look up to Jainism to find answers toquestions which are eludingthem. This book is a very satisfyingexperience especially for a staunch Jain like me. It will also open theeyes of the general public to the teachings of non-violence which is somuch needed in today's world. All in all it vindicates Jainism. It can besaid that Jainism is a wonderful mixture of science andspirituality. Butthen there is no space for doubt as Jainism is nothing but the truth ! This book should be read by one and all. There is something to be learnedby everyone. ... Read more

Book Description
THIS 80 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Short Studies in the Science of Comparative Religions Embracing All the Religions of Asia, by J. G. R. Forlong. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 0766101576. ... Read more

Book Description
Major new reference work on Jain themes, theology, major sites ... Read more

Book Description
Covers the history of Jainism that spans a period of more than 2,500 years. The history, values, concepts and scriptures, eminent mendicant and lay leaders and scholars, places, institutions, and social and cultural factors are covered in over 600 dictionary entries. This comprehensive reference work also includes an introductory essay, explanation of the Jain scriptures, chronology, appendices, bibliography, and an 8-page black-and-white photo spread. ... Read more

Book Description
Essays by scholars on Jainism, also discussion of how Jainism in taught in western schools ... Read more

Book Description
THIS 9 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Short Studies in the Science of Comparative Religions Embracing All the Religions of Asia, by J. G. R. Forlong. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 0766101576.Download Description
THIS 9 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Short Studies in the Science of Comparative Religions Embracing All the Religions of Asia, by J. G. R. Forlong. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 0766101576. ... Read more

Book Description
First published in 1925, translation of a German classic by Shridhar Shrotri. A comprehensive work, excellent on salvation, basic tenets. ... Read more

Book Description
On doctrinal changes and implications for religious practice in early Jainism. Attention to karmic bondage and liberation as evaluated in parts of the early Svetambara canon, Umasvati's Tattvartha Sutra and the major works of Kundakunda. ... Read more