Jain Digest 2000 07 Vol 16 No 03

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

Page 23

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BOOK REVIE
BOOK REVIEW:
"GLORY of JAINISM" by Kumarpal Desai
Shree Jaybhikhkhu Sahitya Trust, (Ahemdabad)
Hard Cover - 300 pages and 120 colorful illustrations According to Shree Kumarpal Desai, the People who forget their philosophy and beliefs. Another, longer essay - "The value and past are condemned to a blighted future. From the deep oceans Heritage of Jain Religion" is a must read for all. The teacher in of Jain Shasan, he has compiled life stories of illustrious Jains Kumarpalbhai is at his very best as he emphasizes how Jainism that have added to the glory of Jainism. Through studying their permits no distinction between religion and morality. The two lives, history and understanding of Jainism is made easy. This is essays are enough of a reason to own this book. a sentimental offering of a writer of so many books, magazine In the latest edition of the book, 5 more lives are characterized. and newspaper articles on Jainism.
Shri Kundkundacharya, Shrimad Rajchandra, Shri Ghasilaji A Jain Sangh is considered as auspicious as a Tirthankar and Maharaj, Ganadhipati Shri Tulsiji and Virchand Raghavji Gandhi. Sangh is divided into four equal components: Sadhus, Sadhwis, These 5 stories add to our perception of how wide ranging Jain Shravaks and Shravikas. Writer initially wrote about 108 such Philosophy is. persons and has offered equal number of characterization of each This handsome large size volume is laid out in a very readable of the four. This is the only religion in the world that has given format. In plain language, on the right page he has presented a equal importance to both men and women. In the newer edition brief life story of one of his selected character and the left page is of the book, he added 5 modern day characters - all men. One full of colorful pictures pertaining to the story. These illustrations hopes that in the next volume, (already promised by him) he will are works of Ashok Shaha (Padmaputra) and Prarthna Shaha. even the score.
These paintings are on permanent display in the Samavasaran In the 2500 years since Mahavirswami's Nirvana, Jainism was Mahamandir in Palitana. preserved, propagated and prospered by our Sadhus and Sadhvis. Many overseas Indians and particularly Southern California and Their selfless dedication, exemplary life and scholarly pursuits New York Sangh members aided publication of this edition in are the lifelines for us. Many Jains can recite names of 24 English. The book is also available in Gujrati and Hindi in India. Tirthankars but naming 24 Acharyas let alone 24 Sadhwis is a English language books on Jainism do not sell very well but we in rare soul. This book is a sourcebook for anyone who wants to North America hunger for it. This book (The English edition) is study the great lives of Shrutkevali Shri Bhadrabahuswami, Shri available for only $25 including postage by writing to Dr. Siddhasen Diwakarsuri (creator of Kalyan Mandir Stotra, Manibhai Mehta, 11403 Tortuga St. CA 90630 or call (714) 898 Nyayavtar and sanmatitark etc.), Shri Mantungsuri (composer 3156. of Bhaktamar Stotra), Shri Haribhadrasuri (first commentator of Agmik literature and 1444 books), Kalikalsarvagna Shri Hemchandracharya (prolific writer on subjects as varied as gramer, history, puran, yoga. lexican, statecraft and much more) and Upadhyaya Shri Yashovijayji (author of 100 books in Sanskrit,
Dr. Navin C. Shah, Founder, Former President and Present Prakrit and Gujarati).
Trustee of The American Association of Physicians of Indian Life stories of Sadhvis like Chandanbala, Mandanrekha,
Origin (AAPI)was
presented it's 'Most DisRushidatta, Mrugavati, Shiyalvati and Manorama reflect elements
tinguished Service
award on July 1st at the of miracle or trials faced by women to prove their spotless char
AAPI annual con
vention in New York. A acter or picty in the patriarchal society of those days. The book
special award lun
cheon with Assistant Secgoes on to enumerate life stories of illustrious Shravaks like
retary of State Mr.
Carl Inderfurth as chief Mahamantri Abhaykumar, Puniya Shravak, Samprati Maharaj,
guest honored Dr.
Shah. This award honors Kumarpal Maharaj, Jagdusha Sheth, Senapati Abhu, Bhimji
one physician for
outstanding service to Sanghpati and Sheth Motisha.
AAPI. At this function Dr. Shah was also awarded a prestigious Sterling characters of Revati, Sulsa, Manorama, Kosha, Anupama
'Hinduja Award' presented by Mr. S.P. Hinduja, chairman of the and Subhadra etc. can be inspiration for today's society. Jain internationally known multimillion dollar charitable 'Hinduja heritage is full of such gems. As one reads and admires their Foundation'. The award recognized Dr. Shah's efforts to improve character one's journey begins towards becoming better person, health care and medical education in India. In the beginning of the book, a six page essay titled "Essence of Jainism" is worthy of memorizing for it is heart and soul of our
JAIN DIGEST. FALL 2000 / 21
Jain Education Interational 2010_02