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PREFACE In the words of Prof. Arnold Toynbee 'Religion has been the greatest single influence on the history and destiny of mankind.' It is originally aimed to bring out the divine in man, and it certainly uplifts mankind morally and spiritually. As observed by Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Religion correctly interpreted, gives value and dignity to the individual........ . In its essence, religion is reintegration of human personality and redemption of human society.'
Jainism, the creed of the Nirgrantha Tirthankaras of the Shramana current of ancient Indian culture, is a very comprehensive system, acclaimed as one of the oldest living religions of India. Its last exponent was Vardhaman Mahavira ( 599-527 B.C.), the twenty-fourth Tirthankara or Jina. Jainism has been described as an ethical system par excellence, since it lays the greatest emphasis on self-discipline and self-control in order to lead a life of peaceful co-existence, co-operation, co-ordination and co-realisation.
In this book the essence of this religious system has been dealt with in brief by way of introduction for the benefit of those who wish to acquaint themselves of Jainism at a glance. A brief life
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