Jainism the Creed for All Times

Author(s): D S Baya
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 19

FOREWORD
‘LIVE AND LET LIVE' is the credo of Jainism, the faith preached by omniscient Jinas who founded it on the noble principle of non-violence towards all living-beings. It is this emphasis on nonviolence that makes it the ‘Creed for All Times'. The eternal principles of this wonderful and eternal creed and the conduct-rules that govern its ethics have been commented upon by various commentators that have left their marks on the sands of time, from time to time according to the demands of their times. However, the need for a good and easily comprehensible book on Jaina precepts and practices, in English language, has been felt for a long time.
I am very happy that Dr. (Colonel) D. S. Baya 'Śreyas' has answered this call and has presented the eternally relevant Jaina principles in such simple English language that even a layman will have no difficulty in understanding this noble faith. I am sure that not only the Jaina readers but a large number of non-Jaina ones will also benefit from this work.
An authentic life-sketch of Bhagvān Mahāvīra, that reconciles the beliefs of both the Svetāmbara and the Digambara traditions, at the very outset, certainly adds a unique dimension to this work that is being published quite close to the 26th liberation-centenary of that noble soul.
The second introductory chapter adds a historical perspective to this faith that was initially propounded by Bhagvān Rsabhadeva who lived aeons ago. Also, it is a praiseworthy effort to introduce Jainism's indicators, its concept of reality, the interrelation between the soul and Karma and to establish that in spite of its lack of belief in the existence of an Omniscient, Omnipresent and Omnipotent God, Jainism is a theist faith that believes in the existence of the soul and rebirth after death. Ahimisā or non-violence is the central theme of Jainism and I am