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USA, Canada, England etc. and in that way Jains came into contact with foreign people.
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Need not to repeat that in 20th century some significant works on Jainism have definitely appeared in English, German and French languages, but there is not a single work which could speak about Jain community and its "way of living"" elaborately. It is for the first time that Mr. Pierre Paul Amiel has tried to make the world acquainted with the Jain community, its culture, its rituals and the way of living particularly in the foreign countries, through his scholarly work. The present trend of the foreign scholars is not much in the favour of writing about the past glory and the high ideals of any particular religion or community but Mr. Amiel has fulfilled the need of the modern age and has done justice while writing his book. It is worth to mention that this book is not written for the scholars of religion and philosophy but for the general public who really want to know all about Jainism and Jain community as well.
The present title "JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD" contains 10 chapters in total excluding annexes-10. First chapter deals with the history of Jains before and after Mahāvīra. Second chapter describes the cause of the schism or the two main branches- Svetambara and Digambara along with Jain casts and sub-casts. The third chapter tells about the revered beings whereas fourth chapter deals with the sacred books (Agama) and other writings of Jains. Chapter five beautifully depicts the Jain temples and the sacred places. The sixth chapter speaks of the duties, virtues and vows of laymen and women Jain devotees whereas chapter seven gives us the details of their rites, cults and religious festivals. Chapter eight describes the religious symbols, drawings and expressions. The ninth chapter elaborately speaks of the Jain monastic order, code of conduct and all about the Jain ascetic life. Similarly, chapter ten tells about the influence of Jainism on India as well outside India. In conclusion, the author has given his own observation about Jain religion and need to write the book, of course, paying respect for this great Indian religion.
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