Jainism: A Guide for the PerplexedBloomsbury Publishing, 2015 M01 29 - 176 pages Jainism is arguably the most non-violent and austere religion in the world. While lay Jains attempt to never harm humans or animals, the strict non-violence followed by the highly revered monks and nuns also proscribes harm to any living being, even a microscopic organism. And while laywomen (and a few laymen) undergo long and difficult fasts, the longest being for one month, renouncers' austerities also include pulling their hair out by the roots two to five times a year, walking bare-foot throughout India most of the year, and, in the case of some monks, not wearing any clothing at all. Jainism: A Guide for the Perplexed is a clear and thorough account of this fascinating tradition, explaining many basic Jain values, beliefs and practices in the same way they are taught to Jains themselves, through the medium of sacred narratives. Drawing from Jainism's copious and influential narrative tradition, the author explores the inner-logic of how renouncers' and laypeople's values and practices depend on an intricate Jain worldview. |
Contents
1 | |
Jain sects and subsects | 15 |
The twentyfour refounders Jinas of Jainism | 35 |
Virtuous women | 55 |
kings and gods | 75 |
Festivals prayer and worship | 91 |
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Common terms and phrases
accept according achieve moks˙a acts allowed asked austerities Balbir became become believe benefits brother Buddhist called celebrations century chapter chastity clothing concerning conduct considered continued Cort Damayantı decided describe developed devotion Digambara Dundas edited eventually example faithful female finally five Flügel Fohr forest Furthermore Gacch giving gods Hindu husband important India initiation itinerancy Jain monks Jain narratives Jain renouncers Jainism Jinas karma karmic Kelting King kingdom knowledge Laidlaw laity later laymen laypeople laywomen living Maha¯vı¯ra Mantra means monks and nuns munis Nala non-violence path practices Press protect Ra¯ma reasons rebirth reborn religiosity religious remain renunciation respect rites ritual rules S´veta¯mbara sects sexual sometimes soul spiritual stay story Studies sub-sects Sutra tapas texts told tradition translated types University usually various veneration versions wealth wife wives women worldly worship