Jain Spirit 2004 06 No 19

Author(s): Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains

Page 23

Finding Your Spiritual Centre: Practical wisdom from one of the world's
earliest Religions,
by Acharya Mahapragna. Sourced, translated and edited by Ranjit Dugar. (Kolkata, India: Spiritual Quest, 2003)
ISBN 81-901713-0-5
Finding Your Spiritual Centre has been beautifully compiled in hardback form from the talks and teachings of the head of the Terapanthi sect, Acharya Mahapragna, by Ranjit Dugar. We all hope to lead a more peaceful and enlightened life and in this sense this is a book for everyone. On one level it reads like a wonderfully presented self help resource, filled with stunning photography and short inspirational passages and quotes. The book gives a concise explanation of the history and philosophies of the Jain religion in the opening pages. Acharya Mahapragna emphasises the guiding role that such a strong spirituality can play in our day-to-day lives, offering complete sections on Preksha meditation and yoga as an aid to this.
On a further level, the book also recognises the mysteries of
Finding your spiritual centre
History of Mysticism: The Unchanging Testament,
by Swami Abhayananda (London: Watkins, 2002)
ISBN 1 84293 051 6
existence itself, that the world we live in is made of (at the very least!) two parts: the material and the immaterial where our spiritual centre resides. Written in both Hindi and English, it opens up Jainism to both these practical and spiritual worlds. The majority of the chapters comprise of bite-size contemplations on how we can control both aspects and allow them to work together. This duality is excellently harmonised by the varied quotes chosen by Dugar.
As the name suggests, this book is for those who already have a sense of their spiritual side and wish to explore and develop it further, but with its explanations of various Indian words and concepts it is as much for those wanting to delve into Indian culture as into Jain culture. As a whole, it may not be the lightest of reads but for those quiet moments it is perfect for dipping into, as each page offers spiritual sound bites partnered with gorgeous photos to inspire your day.
Mysticism, by Evelyn Underhill, was published in 1911 and is probably still the seminal English language study of this aspect of religious experience. Underhill was a pioneer in her field, the first woman theologian to lecture at Oxford University. However, her study is one-sided, for it only takes into account the Western and Eastern Orthodox experiences of mysticism, and is not much concerned with other faiths. Swami Abhayananda, an American and the founder of two Vedanta temples, has made a brave effort to update Underhill and produce a comprehensive survey of mystical teachings and perspectives, incorporating Hinduism, Buddhism and Taoism as well as the Judaeo-Christian and Islamic Sufi traditions. Jainism, disappointingly, is barely mentioned but the book is valuable both as a point of reference and a good read.
The theme of Swami Abhayananda's book is the underlying unity of religions. To him, all spiritual paths represent different journeys towards the same Truth. This insight is shared by Jains, which makes this book useful and relevant to them.
Aidan Rankin
BOOK REVIEW 21
Rebecca Hoh
APOLOGIES
Dear Readers,
The Jain Spirit team would like to apologise to our readers for an error made in Gulabchand Meghji Shah's Obituary in Issue 18. The passage contained the sentence Jains believe that all Tirthankaras attained Nirvana at Palitana'. This is an inaccurate representation of Jain beliefs. Sorry for any confusion caused.
The Jain Spirit Team