Objective, authoritative and lavishly illustrated with nearly 200 full-colour photographs, maps and diagrams, Introduction to World Religions will be widely welcomed by all those seeking to understand the complexity and diversity of the world's religious landscape.

Preface 1. Jainism: An Introduction 2. History The Ancientness of Jainism, Origin, Early History, Medieval History, Modem History, References 3. Philosophy Basic Philosophy, Divine Laws, Primary Beliefs, Jiva, Ajiva, Asrava, Bandha, Samvara, Nirjara, Moksh, Ethics, Metaphysics, Jainism: A Scientific Religion, Difference between Jainism and Vedic Hindu Religion, References 4. Concept of God Defining God, Arihant, Siddha, Dimensions of God, Deities, Yakshas and Yakshanis, Philosophy of God, Messengers of God, Tirthankar, Nirvana, References 5. Main Figures Main Figures in Early Period, Ajitnath, Sambhavnath, Abhinandannatha, Sumatinatha, Padmaprabha, Suparshavnatha, Chandraprabha, Pushpadanta, Sheetalnath, Shreyansanath, Vasupujya Swami, Vimalnath, Anantnath, Dharmanath, Shantinath, Kunthunath, Aranath, Mallinath, Main Figures in Medieval Period, Unisuvrata, Naminath, Neminatha, Parshavanath, Bhagwan Mahavir, Main Figures in Modem Period, Kundakunda, Acharya Hemachandra, References 6. Scriptures Divine Words, Namokar Mantra, Religious Scriptures, Agam Literature, Ang-agams, Ang-bahya-agams, Classification of Angbahya- agams, Digambar Jain Literature, Shatkhand-agam, Kashaypahud, Four Anuyogas, Details, Non-Religious Scriptures, References Faith & Philosophy of Jainism 7. Teachings Spiritual Teachings, Redemption, Devotion to God, Ethical Actions, Message of Harmony and Love, References 8. Moral Value System Moral Values, Morality in Life, Moral Values for Leader, Moral Duties of Subjects, Moral values in Society, Pratimas, Practical Aspects, References 9. Movements Religious Movements, The Sthanakvasi, Terapanth, The Kanji Swami Panth, Shrimad Rajachandra, Reform Movements, Reform Movements in the Digambar Sect, Reform Movements in the Shvetambar Sect, Revivalist Movements, References 10. Reformers Reformers in Early Period, Kundakunda, Acharya Bhadrabahu, Tiruvalluvar, Siddhasen Diwakar, Reformers in Medieval Period, Pujyapada, Haribhadra, Acharya Hemachandra, Reformers in Modern Period, Acharya Bhikshu, Acharya Rajendrasuri, Acharya Tulsi, Acharya Mahapragya, References 11. Major Sects Digambar Sect, Sub Sects, Shvetambar Sect, Sub Sects, References 12. Demographic Propagation Origin, Early Rise, Factors Responsible for Rise, Jainism in other Parts of World, Demographics, References 13. Socio-Political Influence Socio-Political Identity, Jainism and Politics, Fundamentalism, Contemporary Politics, References 14. Religious Rituals and Traditions 15. Society Social Order, Social Conduct, Social Ethics, Traditional Values, Caste System, Status of Women, References 16. Festivals Bhagwan Mahavir Jayanti, Paryusana Parva, Diwali, New Year, Gyan Panchami, Paush dashami, Akshay Tritiya Tapa, Maun-agiyaras, Navapad Oli, Yaksha Puja, Snatra Mahotsav, Atthai Mahotsav, References 17. Religious Places 18. Art and Iconography 19. Mahatma Gandhi, Jainism and Indias Freedom Struggle Gandhis Life, Gandhi and Jainism, Gandhi & Jainism Principle of Ahimsa, Doctrine of Ahimsa and Freedom Movement, References 20. Jainism in Modern World Diaspora, Modem Religious Movements, Spiritual Revolution, Future, Jainism as a Global Religion, Great Mens Views on Jainism, References Bibliography Index

The book presents the history and the Doctrines of the Ajivikas who formed a third heretical sect besides the sect of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism and that of Mahavira Vardhamana, the twenty-fourth Tirthankara of the Jainas. The three heterodox sects react against the ritualistic creed of the Vedists. The cult of Ajivikas was founded by Makkhali Gosal, the contemporary of Mahavira Vardhamana, on the basis of strict determinism with a belief in the all-embracing rule of Niyati (principle of order). According to Gosal, It was Niyati which ultimately governed our action, controlled phenomena and left no room for human volition. It will through new height on an interesting and significant aspect of India's past, and will encourage further research. This book is divided into fifteen chapters discussing elaborately different aspects of the subject matter. The comprehensive Bibliography and Index are the added features for the researchers for comparative as well as further study of yet unexplored areas.

This brief introduction to Jainism and Sikhism is designed to help readers understand these important religious traditions. With both nuance and balance, this text provides broad coverage of various forms of Jainism and Sikhism with an arresting layout with rich colors. It offers both historical overviews and modern perspectives on Jain and Sikh beliefs and practices. The user-friendly content is enhanced by charts of religious festivals, historic timelines, updated maps, and a useful glossary. It is ideal for courses on Jainism, Sikhism, and South Asian religions and will be a useful, concise reference for all readers eager to know more about these important religious tradition and their place in our contemporary world.