Jainism the Creed for All Times

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

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satisfied to see that the author has done justice to this theme by devoting an entire chapter of the book to it.
The most important section of this book is its second section that contains its fundamental principles and describes the fundamental verities, the concepts of right-vision and right-knowledge and that of Non-absolutism and its predication. The ‘Jaina Doctrine of Karma' has been covered very lucidly and it also explains it very scientifically.
The original thinking of Dr. Baya comes out in its third section in which he has explained the Jaina Cosmology with reference to the four variable parameters of matter, space, time and change.
The fourth section covers the two tier Jaina ethics – ‘The Monastic Conduct' and 'The Lay Followers' Conduct' in an easy to follow manner.
Another feature of this book is its 'Legendary Section' that narrates four stories from the abundant Jaina lore. These stories – Andak', Mrgāputrīya', 'Nami Pravrajyā' and 'Rohiņi Kathā' emphasise the importance of detachment, steadfast belief, knowledge and flawless practice of monastic conduct respectively. They certainly add to the attraction of this work.
The sixth and the last section is rightly entitled 'Practical Jainism' as it addresses itself to the problems facing the individuals, the society and the world at large and suggests that the Jaina precepts and practices offer sustainable solutions to these problems. The application of the Jaina principles, specially that of Non-absolutism, to the areas of ‘Leadership and Management' and 'Personality Development' certainly adds to its value for the younger generation.
I must compliment the author for this excellent work and hope that his pen will remain tireless in pursuing similar other pursuits.
Dr. Sagarmal Jain
Founder Director Prachya Vidyapeeth, Shajapur (M.P.)
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