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 |
Growth | 274 |
| 317 | |
Glossary of Sanskrit and Prakrit Words | 335 |
| 359 | |
Additions and Corrections 375 | |
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Common terms and phrases
ācārya activities aghātiyā ahimsā Ājīvika alms Ananda ancient Anga arhat aspirant attained become body bondage brahman Buddhist called canon century ceremony clothing darśana death defiled dhyāna Digambara disciples evam example existence fact fasting gaṇadharas Gautama gods Gosāla guṇasthāna hence Hindi Hindu holy householder human Ibid Indian Indrabhūti insight intro involves Jain Jaina Jaina community Jaina mendicant Jaina monk Jaina teachers Jainism Jina Jina's Jinasena jīva kāla karmas karmic karmic matter kevalaj�āna kevalin king kṣatriya laity layman loka-ākāśa Mahā Mahāvīra Mathura meditation mendicant mokṣa nirvāņa nudity omniscient one's Pārśva passions path practice Prakrit pratimā pūjā religious renunciation restraint ritual Rṣabha sacred Śakra sallekhanā sāmāyika samsāra samyak-darśana Sanskrit scriptures sects sense siddha soul soul's spiritual śramaņa stage substance Suttāgame Śvetāmbara syādvāda teachings temple tion Tirthankara tradition Vedic venerable ascetic Mahāvīra vows vratas worldly worship yakṣas