Jain Path

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.

Jainism originated in India and shares some features with Buddhism and Hinduism, but it is a distinct tradition with its own key texts, art, rituals, beliefs, and history. One important way it has often been distinguished from Buddhism and Hinduism is through the highly contested category of Tantra: Jainism, unlike the others, does not contain a tantric path to liberation. But in Making a Mantra, historian of religions Ellen Gough refines and challenges our understanding of Tantra by looking at the development over two millennia of a Jain incantation, or mantra, that evolved from an auspicious invocation in a second-century text into a key component of mendicant initiations and meditations that continue to this day. Typically, Jainism is characterized as a celibate, ascetic path to liberation in which one destroys karma through austerities, while the tantric path to liberation is characterized as embracing the pleasures of the material world, requiring the ritual use of mantras to destroy karma. Gough, however, argues that asceticism and Tantra should not be viewed in opposition to one another. She does so by showing that Jains perform “tantric” rituals of initiation and meditation on mantras and maṇḍalas. Jainism includes kinds of tantric practices, Gough provocatively argues, because tantric practices are a logical extension of the ascetic path to liberation.

This book is ideal for Jains and Non-Jains an easy to understand guide for blending Jain practices with a North American lifestyle. Jainism Simplified What is Jainism? Jain Prayers My Aspirations (Prayer) Treasures in Jainism Non-Violence (Ahimsa) Non-Absolutism (Anekantvad) Non-Possessiveness (Balance Needs and Desires) Unity and Diversity Among Jains 24 Reasons to Believe in and Live a Jain Life Vegetarian Way of Life Measuring My Progress in Living a Jain Way of Life My Mind & My Body - A Self Evaluation My Things - A Self Evaluation My Consumptions - A Self Evaluation My Life & My World - A Self Evaluation My Spirituality - A Self Evaluation Many Dimensions of Violence Food Compassionate Healthy Diet Responsible Food Purchasing Eating and Drinking Out and Enjoying: Best Practices Family How to Raise a Jain Child Marriage Commitment A Typical Day - Jain Way of Life (JWOL) Vacations, Retreats, and Camps Very Responsible Purchasing Guidelines to Donations and Gift Giving Self and Work Excelling in the Workplace Jain Relaxation and Meditation My 12 Reflections Guidance Cherish the Jain Experience in North America Guidelines for High School Students Animal Rights - Your Critical Role Partnerships with Non-Jain Groups Forgiveness and How to do it Steps to Spiritual Progress Celebrations Family Celebrations - Birthday, Graduation, Mothers/Fathers Day, Anniversary, Marriage The Art of Dying Jain Festivals Mahavira's Life and Teachings, Mahavir Jayanti (Birth) and Diwali (Liberation) Celebration of the Soul Paryushan Parv and Das Lakshan 8-10 Days of Living a Jain Way of Life (JWOL) The Practice of Equanimity and Pratikraman Celebrating Thanksgiving Jain Pujas, Symbols, Temples, History Jain Philosophy Jain Pujas Jain Symbols Jain History Jain Scriptures Jainism and Other Religions

Discover the essence of Jainism in the contemporary world with "Jain Path." This insightful book delves into the principles of Ahimsa (non-violence), Anekantavada (non-absolutism), and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness), collectively known as the Triple A's, as well as the profound Jain philosophy of life, soul, karma, and moksha. Drawing a connection between ancient wisdom and modern living, this book explores how core Jain practices can be applied to navigate the complexities of modern life.Through an exploration of the sacred sutras found in the revered "Bible of the Jains," the Tattvartha Sutra, "Jain Path" uncovers the hidden treasures of Jainism and reveals how these timeless teachings can be incorporated into our daily lives. With a focus on making Jainism accessible and relatable, the book presents Jain principles, philosophy, and practices in contemporary language, enabling a deeper understanding of the modern world.By embarking on the Jain Path, readers will not only cultivate a profound understanding of the Jain way of life but also gain the tools to share these transformative teachings with others. This comprehensive guide provides self-reflection exercises, illuminating the connection between Jain practices and happiness, enabling individuals to embrace the Jain philosophy with greater happiness, balance, and equanimity in the modern era.Join the journey of self-discovery and enlightenment with the "Jain Path" book, as it brings to life the profound teachings of Jainism, simplifies the intricate concepts of the soul and karma, and presents the principles of Ahimsa, Anekantavada, and Aparigraha using innovative perspectives. Prepare to embark on a transformative exploration that will enrich your understanding of Jain principles and empower you to lead a fulfilling life in the modern world.

Jainism evokes images of monks wearing face-masks to protect insects and mico-organisms from being inhaled. Or of Jains sweeping the ground in front of them to ensure that living creatures are not inadvertently crushed: a practice of non-violence so radical as to defy easy comprehension. Yet for all its apparent exoticism, Jainism is still little understood in the West. What is this mysterious philosophy which originated in the 6th century BCE, whose absolute requirement is vegetarianism, and which now commands a following of four million adherents both in its native India and diaspora communities across the globe?In his welcome new treatment of the Jain religion, Long makes an ancient tradition fully intelligible to the modern reader. Plunging back more than two and a half millennia, to the plains of northern India and the life of a prince who - much like the Buddha - gave up a life of luxury to pursue enlightenment, Long traces the history of the Jain community from founding sage Mahavira to the present day. He explores asceticism, worship, the life of the Jain layperson, relations between Jainism and other Indic traditions, the Jain philosophy of relativity, and the implications of Jain ideals for the contemporary world. The book presents Jainism in a way that is authentic and engaging to specialists and non-specialists alike.

"This revised and expanded edition takes account of new research into Jainism as carried out over the last ten years."--BOOK JACKET.

Professor Andrea Diem-Lane, Ph.D., provides an in-depth analysis and summary of ten key books on the religion of Jainism, providing the reader with a deeper grasp of this ancient Indian religion and its compassionate practice of ahimsa or non-violence.

Jainism is one of the world's oldest religions, and perhaps the most demanding, rational and radical of all of them, attaching a great importance to individual responsibility. Today we are questioning our own inherited values and also rediscovering ancient traditions. We are looking for continuity and balance-a return to the centre. Understanding of Jain principles can point us towards the elusive paradigm shift, giving spiritual and intellectual strength to a new global ethic of compassion and interdependence.