Overview

"Jain is the term used for a person who has faith in the teachings of the Jinas (""Spiritual Victors""). Jinas are human beings who have overcome all passions (kasayas) and have attained enlightenment or omniscience (kevala-jnana), who teach the truths they realized to others, and who attain liberation (moksa) from the cycle of rebirth (samsara). At the core of these teachings is nonviolence (ahimsa), which has remained the guiding principle of Jain ethics and practices to this day. In comparison with other religious traditions of South Asia, Jains are few in number, comprising less than one percent of India's population. The lay and mendicant communities of the Jain, however, have maintained an unbroken presence in India for more than 2,500 years and have influenced its culture throughout this time. The A to Z of Jainism covers the history of Jainism that spans a period of more than 2,500 years. The history, values, concepts, and scriptures; eminent mendicant, lay leaders, and scholars; and places, institutions, social, and cultural factors are covered in over 450 dictionary entries. This comprehensive reference work also includes an introductory essay, explanation of the Jain scriptures, chronology, appendixes, and bibliography. This book provides an excellent introduction and overview to Jainism for scholars, students, and general readers."

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9780810868212

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Reviews

The goal of this book is to help those outside the religion understand it better, but it will also serve as a guide for Jains themselves. Cross-references are generous and thoughtful and within almost every entry the reader will also find that terms referring to other entires are clearly represented in bold typeface. This is a worthwhile reference source on the religion and culture of Jainism. American Reference Books Annual Wiley has focused her research on Jain karma theory, but here provides a succinct reference to all aspects of the religion, which has existed on the subcontinent for over 2,500 years. The highly cross-referenced entries of the dictionary itself are supported by a 20-page introduction, an essay on the Jain scriptures, a map, a chronology, and seven appendices listing deities and other aspects. Reference and Research Book News, November 2009

Author Information

Kristi L. Wiley is visiting lecturer in the Department of South and Southeast Asian Studies at the University of California at Berkeley. She teaches courses in Indian Religions and religion and ecology.

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