Jain Journal 2002 10

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 52

Book Reviews
119 Lesya-kosa (Vol-II) - compiled and edited by Mohan Lal Banthia and Sricand Corariya, Jain Darsana Samiti, 16C Dover Lane, Kolkata700 029, 2001, pp 160+576, price Rs. 150.00.
The world of Jainism has become very inuch rich by the publication of the Cyclopaedia of Lesyā (= Lesya-kosa)-Vol-Il compiled and edited by Mohan Lal Banthia and Sricand Corariya. These two editors have not practically left out anything relating to the topic of Lesya. The Losya-kosa is divided into several sections as far as 99 and sub-divided into several other decimal points. Each point is welldocumented. The methodology of the book is praise-worthy. All the topics are systematically arranged. These two editors have inade sevcral other Cyclopaedias on Mahavira, on Yoga and on Kriya and Pudgala. Each one is unique by itself and will render good service to the cause of comparative religion and Jainistic studies.
The paper and printing of the book are well-executed. This book is well-bound. I hope this Cyclopaedia of Leśyā will be well-received by the readers of Jainistic Studies.
Satya Ranjan Banerjee.
Sramana Bhagavān Mahavīra - by P1. Srikalyāņa Vijayaji Gani, Sāradāben Cimanbhai Educational Research Centre, Shāhībāg. Ahmedabad-380 004, 2002. price Rs. 200.00
Though innumerable treatises are written on the lives and activities of Lord Vardhamana Mahāvīra, the present one in Hindi by Pi. Kalyāņa Vijayaji Gani is a unique contribution to the field of Jaina Hagiology. In his long Introduction (pp. 17-46) the author has explained the purpose of writing such a book for the reading public. The norinal accepted time of Lord Mahāvīra is between 599 B.C and 527 B.C. But the author has divided the 42 years' events of Lord Mahāvīra from 500 B.C. to 470 B.C. The book has two parts: Carita-khanda with three chapters and Parisista-khanda with six chapters. In the first part the life of Lord Malāvīra is delincated, while in the next his teachings and sermons are described. The book is fairly documented and can be relied upon. The author has given the names of the places where Mahāvīra visited in connection with his wanderings. I recommend the treatise to the lovers of Jainistic Studies.
Satya Ranjan Banerjee
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