Publisher's Synopsis
This is a unique quick-reference book about a religion with an unbroken history of more than 2,500 years and one which has influenced indias culture throughout this periodat the core of jainisms teachings is non-violence (ahimsa), which mahatma gandhi brought to world consciousness by adopting it as the guiding principle in the campaign he led for indias freedom in jainism, non-violence extends equally to mans relationship with all natural life, a sensitivity being articulated anew in contemporary times by a concern for the environment and animal rights, etcthis book covers all important touchstones of jainism in more than 450 crisp, alphabetical entries spanning: the basic teachings of jainism the life of mahavira, the twenty-fourth tirthankara of jainism and its best-known and most influential propagator the main sectarian traditions of jainism and mendicant and lay practices important jain scriptures influential jain leaders and scholars sacred and historic jain sites jain prayers and pilgrimages, beliefs, rituals and ceremonies a detailed introduction provides a holistic overview of jainism; and a chronology highlights important jain milestones an extensive, subject-wise bibliography guides interested readers to in-depth resources on various topics
