Examining the history and intellectual activity of the medieval Svetambara Jain renunciant order, the Tapa Gaccha, this book focuses on the consolidation by the Tapa Gaccha from the thirteenth century of its identity as the leading Svetambara order. The author argues that this was variously effected by negotiating the primacy of lineage, the posthumous divinity of one of its leaders, the validity of styles of scriptural exegesis and customary practice and the status of non-Jains through the medium of chronicles and poetry and polemical engagement with other Jain orders and dissident elements within its own ranks. Drawing on largely unstudied primary sources, the author demonstrates how Tapa Gaccha writers created a sophisticated intellectual culture which was a vehicle for the maintenance of sectarian identity in the early modern period. The book explores issues which have been central to our understanding of many of the questions currently being asked about the development not just of Jainism but of South Asian religions in general, such as the manner in which authority is established in relation to texts, the relationship between scripture, commentary and tradition and tensions both between and within sects.

Interest in Indian religion and comparative philosophy has increased in recent years, but despite this the study of Jaina philosophy is still in its infancy. This book looks at the role of philosophy in Jaina tradition, and its significance within the general developments in Indian philosophy. Bringing together chapters by philologists, historians and philosophers, the book focuses on karman theory, the theory of conditional predication, epistemology and the debates of Jaina philosophers with representatives of competing traditions, such as Ājīvika, Buddhist and Hindu. It analyses the relationship between religion and philosophy in Jaina scriptures, both Digambara and Śvetāmbara, and will be of interest to scholars and students of South Asian Religion, Philosophy, and Philology.

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

About the Author Parveen Jain, PhD, is a prolific entrepreneur who has founded and led multiple technology companies in the Silicon Valley. He has ten technology patents, has contributed to over fifty technical publications, and has been recognized with multiple awards for his philanthropic and professional work. For over thirty years, Dr. Jain has been a leader in the vibrant Jain and Hindu communities of the San Francisco Bay Area. He is an ordained œrÀvaka (householder) disciple of °cÀrya Sushil Kumar (GurujÁ), the source of his religious and spiritual education and the motivation for Dr. Jain’s erudition in the Jain tradition. Dr. Jain is deeply involved in the growth of Siddhachalam, the first Jain Tirtha (a pilgrimage, and the abode of enlightened spirituality) outside of India, and considers that, along with leading the effort to build a Jain temple in the San Francisco Bay Area, to be his foremost accomplishment. Inspired by Guruji, he is passionate about applying Jain principles and scriptures to everyday practice for the growing global Jain community and beyond, for current and future generations. About the Book It is well-known that the Jain tradition has been extremely influential in the development of Indian thought and culture. The Jain tradition teaches that there is an interdependence of perception, knowledge, and conduct unified by an axiomatic principle of non-violence in thought, speech, and action. In this way, non-violence defines the core of the Jain tradition, which has had a profound effect on other dhārmic traditions originating in India. Jain Dharma is so significant that in some ways it may be incomplete to attempt to understand other Indian traditions (such as Buddhism or Hinduism) without knowing the basics of the Jain tradition, since these other traditions developed in an ongoing dialogue with the insights and wisdom of Jain respondents and visionaries. This book enables the reader to enjoy a comprehensive journey into the intricate world of Jain thought and culture in a way that is philosophical in its compelling rationality, deeply spiritual in its revelations, yet accessible in its language. The organization of this book allows the reader to engage in an overview of the central teachings of the Jain tradition, but also to ascertain the profundity of its depths. It can be read with equal efficacy in succession from beginning to end, or pursued by individual topics of interest to the reader. Either strategy will have the same effect: a systematic understanding of what the timeless teachings of Jain thinkers have to say about the universal issues of the human condition – and how we might understand our harmonious relationship with other living entities as a powerful and effective spiritual journey.

The present book is one of the best and stimulating books ever written by scholars on Jainism. A glance at its contents will reveal the fact that Glasenapp has covered almost all the salient features of Jainism. The book is divided into

A POV: The Land of Diversities," explores the rich traditions of India, emphasizing the enduring theme of unity in diversity. The narrative highlights the resilience of the people in maintaining their unique cultural identity despite various rulers attempting to impose changes. The democratic spirit prevailing in India emerges as a consistent theme, showcasing instances where the people have successfully resisted such changes and asserted their own values. The book underscores India as a land of diversities, where various religions coexist in harmony. The narrative likely delves into the intricate tapestry of different faiths, their practices, and the cohabitation of diverse communities. Throughout the historical and cultural journey portrayed, a common thread of unity amidst diversity weaves the fabric of Indian society. The people's ability to embrace differences and celebrate their cultural mosaic becomes a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of the nation. In essence, "A POV: The Land of Diversities" is a tribute to India's rich tapestry of traditions, the resilience of its people, and the continuous triumph of unity in the face of diverse challenges throughout its democratic history.