Encyclopaedia of Jaina Studies Vol 01 Jaina Art and Architecture

Author(s): Sagarmal Jain, Others
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

Page 9

Encyclopaedia of Jaina Studies
Science & Technology
Cosmology, geography, mathematics, physical sciences, life sciences, technical sciences, environmental sciences, food and medical sciences.
Philosophy & Psychology
Basic assumptions, ontology, metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of karma and omniscience, Jaina psychology, theism and atheism, bondage and liberation.
.Religious Practices
Concept of five Paragons (Pañca Paramesthins) and Fordmakers (Tīrthankaras), austerities, Jaina Yoga and Meditation and other spiritual practices, six essentials for the monks and householders, Jaina way of worship, its various forms and objects, rituals, festivals, ceremonies, Sarsakāras, Mantra and Tantra in Jainism, Sanllekhanā, and evolution of pure consciousness.
The Organization and people behind the Project
A memorial to Pujya Acharya Sohanlalji Maharaj was set up in 1937 as "Parshwanath Vidyashram" (presently known as Parshwanath Vidyapeeth) at Varanasi. During 73 years of its working, the Institute has done commendable work in teaching, research and publications in the field of Jaina studies. The Institute is recognized by Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, for Ph. D. Degree and till date 61 scholars have been awarded Ph.D. Degree.
In this noble effort the Institute has been fortunate to receive the guidance of distinguished and well known scholars like Pt. Sukhlalji Sanghvi, Acharya Narendra Devaji, Dr. Vasudeva Sharan Agrawala, Pt. Bechardas Doshi and Padmabhushan Pt. Dalsukh Malvania. Further, the Institute has received the blessings, patronage and inspiration of many Acāryas, Sädhus and Sadhvīs.
The Team of Encyclopaedia of Jaina Studies
Parshwanath Vidyapeeth has engaged many scholars of repute to this prestigious project which is first of its kind. Led by Prof. Sagarmal Jain, Chief Editor, Shri Indrabhooti Barar, Chief Coordinator and Dr. Shriprakash Pandey, Asstt. Director, Prashwanath Vidyapeeth, the team consists of the following selected experts from all over India.
Prof. Maheshwari Prasad, Prof. Maruti Nandan Prasad Tiwari, Prof. Kamal Giri, Prof. Harihar Singh, Prof. Nand Lal Jain, Prof. Ratan Chand Jain, Prof. Raman Bhai C. Shah, Prof. S. S. Lishk, Prof. Raj Kumar Jain, Prof. Jyotirmitra, Dr. Arun Pratap Singh, Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh and Dr. Shriprakash Pandey. Out of these thirteen scholars, four have left this world. We pay our sincere tribute to Prof. Nand Lal Jain, Prof. S. S. Lishk, Prof. Jyotirmitra and Prof. Raman Bhai C. Shah whose sudden demise was a great loss for us as well as this project.
Volume I of this mega project entitled Jaina Art and Architecture has been written by Prof. M. N. P. Tiwari, Prof. Kamal Giri and Prof. Harihar Singh. It is divided into three parts. Part I which has been written by Prof. Harihar Singh gives a detailed account of Jaina buildings available in the forms of stūpa, rock-cut caves and temples, and structural temples spread throughout the length and breadth of the country. Besides, it discusses the architectural materials contained in the Jaina canonical texts as they copiously make reference to both the religious and secular buildings. To facilitate the readers Prof. Singh has given first region-wise and then site-wise description of Jaina edifices with their approximate date.
Jain Education Intemational
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