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AHIMSA TIMES - FEBRUARY 2009 ISSUE - www.jainsamaj.org
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their-in the details about the journey, particularly, date of travel, number and name of the train, class of travel, seat/birth number and starting and ending dates of journey.
NEWLY PUBLISHED BOOKS ON JAINISM JAINISM AND THE NEW SPIRITUALITY - 2nd Edition (Revised and Expanded),Jainism and the New Spirituality offers a much needed balance between the devoted emotionalism and inscrutable academic obscurantism in religious literature. It presents the basic, sometimes intricate teachings of Jainism with a sure foundation of familiarity, and the practical applications of Jain principles in our modern living. It reconciles Jainism with current issues and the emerging "New Spirituality", which is expressing itself in the form of the widespread attempts to reassert human rights, struggle for global peace, recognition of the interdependence of human and the environment, social justice, and achieving personal fulfillment. This study will spark philosophical enquiry and bring focus on the affairs of our endangered world. Price : Rs. 600 (PB), ISBN: 0-9689863-3-1, Available at : Motilal Banarsidas, Publishers, New Delhi,
YOGASARA - The Essence of Yoga- By Acarya Joindu, Preface and Hindi translation by Dr Jaykumar Jalaj Pandit Nathuram Premi Research Series, Mumbai: Hindi Granth Karyalay, 2009 220 x 140 mm 36 pages Yogasara is a short work of 108 beautiful verses. The text flows, thoughts conveyed effortlessly through the informal and friendly medium of Apabhramsha. The folk flavor of Apabhramsha aptly reflects the warmth and affection inherent in this heartwarming work. Yogasara focuses on meditation. Joindu is a saint poet and Yogasara contains his reflections on the soul and samsara. His spirituality and mysticism transport the reader to a more contemplative state. For the spiritually inclined, after reading Yogasara, it is difficult to hold oneself back from giving up the temporal life! His writings reflect a deep understanding of the anomalies of human existence. In Joindu, one finds a friend, not a preceptor. He explains, does not pass edicts. This edition has a beautiful Hindi translation by Dr Jaykumar Jalaj. The translation is like a Dick Francis novel - conveys a great deal in few words, This book is Volume 10 of the Pandit Nathuram Premi Research Series,
PARAMATMAPRAKASHA -By Acarya Joindu, Pandit Nathuram Premi Research Series, Preface and Hindi tr. by Dr. Jaykumar Jalaj, Ed by Manish Modi Mumbai: Hindi Granth Karyalay Rs. 60 The current work by Joindu has been influenced by Kundakunda's MOKKHAPAHUDA as well as Pujyapada's SAMADHITANTRA. But its sheer spontaneity and flow helps it hold its own in such distinguished company. PARAMATMAPRAKASHA is contemplative in nature, displaying thoughtfulness and sensitivity. The deeply spiritual nature of the text and simple lexicon carry us with it into an inward journey from where it is easy to break temporal bondage and embrace the freedom of asceticism.
ANUTTARA YOGI: TIRTHANKARA MAHAVIRA, Novelised Biography of Lord Mahavira, By Virendrakumar Jain Hindi, Set of 4 books,2009 220 x 140 mm 1406 pages, Deluxe Hardcover Edition Rs. 1200. This is a very unconventional biography. It is an attempt to present Lord Mahavira as the person he was, before attaining liberation. The work is a literary triumph. Ample proof of the power of the pen to trans-create reality through the millennia.
Tirthankara Bhagavan Mahavira, the 24th Jina, is worshipped by millions of Jains the world over. He was born in 599 BCE and died in 527 BCE. This novel attempts to understand Mahavira the man. It tries to unravel the motivations and ideology of the man who became God. For the first time, this novel traces Mahavira's steps, as he grew from an infant to a child, from a child to an adult. Then a philosopher, an ascetic and an immortal yogi who transcended the cycle of rebirths and attained the ultimate beatific state of Siddhahood, pure soul unencumbered by temporal bondage. Hence, Mahavira's personality is traced completely, which was hitherto available only in Puranic form in Jain literature. This novel is so well written, it seems to encapsulate the elements of a mahakavya in prose form. It helps the author's cause that he is a fine novelist, critically acclaimed as well as popular. He has successfully married sound historical research with a sweeping narrative that remains credible and captivates the reader. It goes without saying, that the present work is a classic, recommended reading for all those who love literature. Available at HINDI GRANTH KARYALAY, Web: www.hindibooks.8m.com From: MANISH MODI, E-Mail: manishymodi@gmail.com
Walk With Me - The Story of Mahavir: By Acharya Chandanaji and Dr. Vastupal Parikh. It is an absolutely
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