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EDITORIAL
The Jaina tradition is one of the oldest and richest traditions of the world. Through the ages it has preserved many of its original doctrinal characteristics. The Jaina thinkers have contributed in every branch of knowledge from the earliest time but unfortunately it is not well recognized, as there is no source for ready reference. At present, there is an awakening of interest world over in the study of Jaina philosophy, religion, theology, psychology, history, art, culture and sciences. A constant flow of publications on these subjects through research in modern languages is the great need of the day. Keeping in view the same Parshwanath Vidyapeeth, which has research publications of more than 156 to its credit, decided to take a mammoth project of preparation of Encyclopaedia of Jaina Studies.
Aims & Objectives
The primary aim in bringing forth this Encyclopaedia of Jaina Studies is to present a complete picture of the Jaina religion with its various aspects and dimensions in a possible manner so that it could satisfy the curiosity of layman as well as necessities of a scholar. The work will cover Jaina spirituality, religious culture besides covering Jaina contributions to literature, sciences, art and architecture, Jaina rites, ceremonies, festivals and customs. It will explain each Jaina school and movement in the proper perspective along with scholarly interpretations and observations. The aim is also to discuss each and every concept in its historical perspective.
This Encyclopaedia of Jaina Studies is to cover the following subject areas:
Art & Architecture Temples, stūpa, caves, pillars, Jaina iconography, Jaina deities and their iconographical characteristics, paintings and Jaina antiquities in foreign museums.
Ethics and Moral Code : its Modern Relevance
Moral standards of Jainas, postulates of Jaina morality, determinism and free will, threefold path of liberation, code of conduct of monks and householders, transgressions of Jaina code of conduct, Jaina theory of punishment, and Jaina doctrine of passions and aurations.
History of Jainism
From prehistoric times onwards, brief life-sketches of selected Tirthankaras and other torchbearers, history of the development of Jaina sects, literary, social and political history of Jainas, prominent Jaina monks and nuns, kings and devotees, Jainism through the ages till modern times both in India and abroad and Jaina holy places.
Language and Literature
Prakrit and its dialects, Jaina Canonical works and their commentaries in Prakrit and Sanskrit, Jaina philosophical and religious works, Jaina narrative literature in different languages, technical literature, Jaina literature in modern Indian and Western languages, Apabhraíša literature, doctoral dissertations, and Jaina journals, catalogues, etc.
Jain Education Intemational
For Private & Personal Use Only
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
