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Essentials of Jainism H. C, BHAYANI M. A., Ph. D.
INTRODUCTORY
JAINISM together with Hinduism and Buddhism enjoys the status of a principal religion of India which had its origin in a very remote past and which has preserved its vitality down to the present day. For centuries, it has been the supreme source of spiritual progress and enlightenment for millions, moulding their character and shaping their course of life to a degree. Its ideals and system of values have inspired some of the worldfamous artistic monuments of India situated at Abu, Palitana, Ellora and elsewhere. It has enriched diverse branches of Indian literature, classical as well as medieval, using a variety of linguistic mediums like Prakrit, Sanskrit, Apabhramsa, Gujarati, Hindi, Marathi, Tamil and Kannada. Being thus one of the three main
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