Jainism The Cosmic Vision

Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: Mahavir Foundation

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Contents
Foreword
The Value and Heritage of Jain Religion 2. Essence of Jainism
Towards A Truly Global Society Compassion Towards Animals Vegetarianism Kshamapana Non-Violence : A Way of Life
Timeless Message of Bhagwan Mahavira 9. Predictions of Tirthankara Mahavira 10. A Journey of Ahimsa II. Role of Women in Jain Religion 12. Human Rights And Jainism 13. Virchand Raghavji Gandhi 14. Activities of Jain Religion in the Last Century 15. Jain Diaspora 16. The Agam Vani in the Teachings of Shrimad Rajchandra 250
Foreword * Jainism - The Cosmic Vision' is the latest among the highly illuminating books on Jain religion authored by Dr. Kumarpal Desai. It is refreshingly enlightening, informative and analytical on the multifaceted aspects of Jainism.
The sixteen chapters taken together portray in an eloquent manner how jain teachings have assumed considerable contemporary value not only as an ancient religious doctrine or sectarian discipline for the followers of the faith, but as a path-finder for evolving a spiritual ecological and ethical way of life and art of living for the wider humanity.
All through history, it has been witnessed that violence cannot be eradicated by violence; on the contrary it has served to aggravate it. Humanity needs to develop a mindset that Ahimsa integrated with Aparigraha and Anekant, as elaborated in Jain philosophy, alone can be the ultimate saviour of this strife-torn. terror-targetted and environ mentally-polluted world of ours.
The choice today is not between violence and non-violence, but between non-violence and total destruction. The timeless message of Mahavira of love and compassion, live and let live, equanimity and synthesis, tolerance and peaceful coexistence has indeed deeply influenced India's cultural heritage and spiritual outlook.
Indeed, as the book bringsout in a vivid manner how Mahatma Gandhi imbibed the message of truth, restraint and non-violence from his saintly Jain Guru Shrimad Rajchandra, and used it as a potent instrument for launching a successful and persuasive struggle against the British colonial rule without any trace of rancor, hostility or hatred.
The book provides yet another valuable input on the need of global