Jainism in North India: 800 BC - AD 526 by Chimanlal J. Shah - 2007

D.K. Printworld (P) Ltd., New Delhi, 2007. 5th or later edition. Hardcover. New. 17 x 25 cm. This book concentrates on the origin of Jainism in north India and its evolution during 800 BC to CE 526 when, not yet crystallised into a set structure and codified into religious books, it retained a genuineness. This reprinted volume is now offered in a fresh state-of-the-art typeset. The photographs are improved versions of the earlier ones with more lustre and colour. Based on the original study of Jaina sources and involving criticism of various opinions, the study establishes Jainism as the most powerful religion of the north from the days of Parsva (800 BC) to the Kusana and the Gupta periods and even the Vallabhi kings. It begins with Jainism`s antiquity with reference to Parsva`s historicity and scrutinises references to Jainism in Hindu and Buddhist literature. It discusses the life of Mahavira and the Jaina religious philosophy that developed under him and later it traces the influence of Jainism on royal dynasties and clans that held sway from 800 to 200 BC. It views the arrival and growth of Jainism in Kalinga region by studying numerous evidences in caves, temples and inscriptions. It specially reviews Jaina literature and art in north India. A detailed perspective is offered of crucial aspects like the date of Mahavlra`s nirvana by consulting a host of Jaina religious literature and modern scholarly studies. The volume will benefit scholars and students of Indology, and of Indian religions in particular. Contents I. JAINISM BEFORE MAHAVIRA : 1. Indication of the Term Jainism 2. Origin of Jainism 3. Traditional Claim to Antiquity Higher than Modem Criticism Admits 4. Parsva and Mahavlra Considered Historical Personages 5. Grounds of Parsva`s Historicity 6. Early References to Jainism in Buddhist Literature 7. Connection between the Jaina Church of Parsva and Mahavlra 8. References to Jainism in Hindu Literature 9. Modem Scholars on the Antiquity of Jainism II. MAHAVIRA AND HIS TIMES : A : 1. Some Details about Parsva 2. Mahavlra Comes Two Hundred and Fifty Years After Parsva 3. A Great Flourish of Religion in India 4. Increasing Influence of the Brahmanas and the Privileges of the Caste System 5. Virtual Ending with Mahavira and Buddha of the Abuses Begotten of the Privileges of the Caste System 6. No Anti-brahmana Prejudices at the Root of this Great Indian Revolution 7. A Gradual Change in the History of Indian thought and Outlook on Life B : 1. Jainism in General 2. Life of Mahavira 3. Exchange of Embryo 4. Mahavlra`s Parents are Worshippers of Parsva and Followers of the Sramanas 5. Ascetic Career of Mahavira 6. Mahavlra`s Nudity and the Interpretation of the Jaina Canon 7. Mahavlra`s Wanderings Covered a Wide Area 8. The Date of Mahavlra`s Nirvana C : 1. Origin of the World According to the Jainas 2. Jinas, the Spiritual Leaders of the Jainas 3. Jiva, Ajiva, Punya, Papa, Asrava, Samvara, Bandha, Nirjara and Moksa 4. The Way to Moksa Lies through the Ratnatraya, or ""the Three Jewels"" 5. Samyag-Darsana (Right Belief), Samyag-Jnana (Right Knowledge) and Samyag-Caritra (Right Conduct) 6. An Absolved Soul Said to Enjoy All the Attributes of GOD 7. Tirthankaras and Kevalins or Samanya-Siddhas 8. Indication of the term Tirthankara 9. Ideal of Ahimsa 10. Two Disciplines of Samayika and Pratikramana 11. Doctrine of Syadvada or Anekantavada D : 1. Some of the Most Important Schisms of the Jaina church 2. The Seven Ninhagas or Ninhavas-Jamali, Tisagutta, Asadha, Asvamitra, Ganga, Chalue, and Gostamahila 3. Gosala Mankhaliputta, the Most Prominent Rival of Mahavira 4. Relative Position of Marikhaliputta in the Great Wave of Religious Enthusiasm in India 5. Dr Barua and the Ajivika Sect of Gosala 6. Gosala`s Influence on the Formulation of the Reformed Church of Mahavira 7. The Date of Gosala`s Death 8. The Ajivika Sect from an H Printed Pages: 322. Jainism in North India: 800 BC - AD 526Chimanlal J. Shah9788124603093