Jainthology

Author(s): Ganesh Lalwani
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

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mankind in relation to Jaina scriptures, on religion and philosophy, on historical and hagiographical events, and even on thanatology and penology. It describes in a succinct manner the doctrines of ahimsa and karma, and its special treatments in Jaina Iconography and in the comparative study of Jainism with other systems of Indian philosophy, in Agama literature and linguistics, are attractive and noteworthy. In one word, considering the unique aspect of the volume it can be designated as an excellent Handbook of Jainism which covers most of the basic tenets of Jainistic studies. It is a welcome idea for which the editor is to be thanked and congratulated for imbibing such a project with a new and critical outlook which is obviously praiseworthy. The volume before us shows the worth of the eminence and erudition of the editor.
It is also one of the features to mention that this volume is printed beautifully on good paper at a well-known press of Calcutta, and is nicely bound. It contains many pictures illustrating different facets of Jainism. The printing is practically free from mistakes for which the sole credit will go to the assiduous and indefatigable labour of the editor. This is one of the solemn qualities of the Jain Journal in general and this volume in particular
It is a well-known fact that since the time of Mahavira (6th or 5th cent. B.C.), the study of Jainism has been steady and contributory to the history of mankind. The contributions of P. C. Dasgupta, J. C. Sikdar, and V. G. Nair to the history and prehistory of mankind in relation to Jaina scriptures will pave the way for evaluating the history of Jainism. These articles will help us to frame our ideas about the antiquity of the Jainas. J. P. Jain's paper on the origin and development of Jain religion is still worth reading. He has succinctly delineated the revival of Jainism in the later Vedic age.
K. C. Lalwani's sketch on Bhagavan Mahavira along with his doctrine is a refreshing one and admits lots of new material and outlook. While describing the history of India, Lalwani says, "It has been the fancy of Indo-Aryan writers of Indian history to present both Mahavira and Buddha as the two most successful and illustrious leaders of the 'reaction' against the rituals and sacrifices of the Brahmanical religion. It is far from true and it is necessary to recognise that Śramana and Brahmaņa currents of religion were independent and mutually exclusive of, and had nothing to do with, each other." (pp. 37-38).