The Jaina Path of Purification
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.
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User Review - keylawk - LibraryThingHere is my work up on one of the most puzzling and intriguing parts of Jainism: The relationship of Karma to the Soul. 1. Explain the purification of soul through 14 stages of spiritual progression ... Read full review
Contents
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HI The Nature of Reality
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89 |
The Mechanism of Bondage
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107 |
Goal
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241 |
Growth
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274 |
Bibliography
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317 |
Additions and Corrections
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375 |
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Common terms and phrases
acarya activities aghatiya Ahga ahimsa Ajlvika alms Ananda ancient anuvratas arhat aspirant attained become body bondage brahman Buddhist called canon century ceremony circa clothing death defiled Digambara disciples evam example existence fact fasting ganadharas Gautama gods Gosala gunasthana hence Hindi Hindu holy householder human Ibid important Indian insight intro involves Jacobi Jain Jaina Jaina community Jaina mendicant Jaina monk Jaina teachers Jaini Jainism Jina Jina's Jinasena jlva karmas karmic karmic matter kevalajnana kevalin king laity large number layman loka-akasa Mahavlra meditation mendicant moksa Niganthas nirvana nudity omniscient one's Parsva passions path practice Prakrit pratima qualities religious renounced renunciation restraint ritual Rsabha sacred sallekhana samayika samyak-darsana Sanskrit Sanskrit text scriptures sects sense siddha soul soul's spiritual sramana stage Sthanakavasi substance Suttagame Svetambara syadvada tatha teachings temple tion tradition TTrthankara Umasvati Vedic venerable ascetic Mahavlra vows vratas worldly worship