Text Book of Jainism Level 01

SR No.: 006580
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Vinod Kapashi, Ajit Shah, Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: UK Institute of Jainology
Publication Year: 1994
Total Pages: 74
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 5 MB

Page 4

THE TASK of preparing a text book for young children has never been an easy one. It becomes particularly difficult when the authors have to consider a wide age range for the children and when the subject is religion.
PREFACE
This book has been prepared to give some basic teaching in the Jain religion. The book attempts to teach the fundamental moral principles together with Jain philosophy in a manner which is easy to follow and grasp.
This book has been primarily written for use by Jain children, their parents and teachers in the community-run weekly language classes. However, we believe that this book will be useful for all those who are interested in teaching Jainism to young children.
The material in this book is most suitable for children from the ages of seven to eleven. We hope that Jain and non-Jain children will find the book useful and that it will prepare them to read more on Jainism. Teachers may find it useful to introduce more stories to explain the principles outlined in the book. Various books of Jain stories are available from the Jain Education Board on request.
The teachers' notes are meant to be a guide. They are based on personal experience of the authors. The glossary is merely a list of some difficult words with their definitions. We have also added some words for the children to define. Most of these words listed in the glossary can be understood from the text.
The next book, Level 2 in this series, will be compiled by March 1995. This book will provide a more advanced course in Jainism. We would appreciate suggestions from teachers and parents so that we can incorporate them in future editions and publications.
The Institute of Jainology has established a body called the Jain Education Board for the purpose of educating and informing Jains and non-Jains alike on various aspects of Jainism. The Jain Education Board has also undertaken to produce other study aids like audio-visuals, graphics, charts and pictures.
Many people have helped in the compilation of this book. Particular thanks are due to the Committee Members of the Jain Education Board, Co-ordinators, Trustees and the Secretary of the Institute of Jainology who all helped to make this publication possible. We are particularly indebted to Anne Hegerty who has thoroughly edited this book, and we gratefully thank her. Thanks are also due to Bharatiben Shah and Ashok Patel for their assistance.
Thanks are due to members of our families for their continued support and patience while this work was being done.
We owe an apology to all the teachers and children who have waited so long for this book. We have learnt a lot from our mistakes, and hope that the level 2 book, will be published in time. A Gujarati and, if possible, a Hindi version of this text book of Jainism will be available in the near future.
Jay Jinendra.
Vinod Kapashi Ajit Shah