Jinamanjari 2000 09 No 22

Author(s): Jinamanjari
Publisher: Canada Bramhi Jain Society Publication

Page 69

Jainism, from a detailed study of its history through to its hagiography, philosophy, ethics, practices, cosmology, logic and literature. After remaining seventy-five years in the German language, its translation into English as Jainism: The Indian Religion of Salvation by Shridhar B. Shrotri is a true credit to the translator.
Glasenapp's work as a whole was one of the very few publications on the Religion of the Jainas in the West. Its publication in 1925 quickly gained the attention of Western readers and scholars who were just discovering Jainism and its importance within in the context of the Indic religio-cultural configuration. In other words, Max Helmuth von Glasenapp introduced Jainism with its rich philosophy, historical connections, and cultural practices in a comprehensive manner to a new European audience without compromising scholastic outlook or diminishing the richness of a faith that had historically carried its sway in the indigenous as well the Aryan cultural fabric of India for over three thousand years.
I would suggest, however, there are some misconceptions about Jaina ceremonies and rites found in the text. For example, the author states that “Jainas share many of these rites with Hindus; they have been even partially borrowed from them.” In some respects I believe the author has entwined Jain theology, which I would suggest is more distinct, with Jain culture which may bear some resemblance to Hindu rites. In an other example the author describes a Jain wedding ceremony with a mandap, fire, and an expensive arrangement. Without the influences from Hindu culture, a Jain wedding is actually a rather simple ceremony, and one that avoids the use of fire to prevent jiyhimsa (killing life).
Another ritual described in the work deals with the issues surrounding the birth of a child: "...a piece iron, red sandal, otter's-hair among other things is put into the bundle; then it is tied with a black thread to the hand of the child..." Jain scriptures, I believe, would not suggest the use of "otter's hair" in a Jain ceremony. Though the author admits that Jains share Hindu ceremonies, this does not mean that these ceremonies should be classified as Jain. They are still non-Jain rituals (whether they are Hindu or not, I'm not sure), and they should not be categorized as Jain simply because a certain group of Jains practice them.
Despite these shortcomings, Jainism: Religion Of Salvation is an authoritative and scholarly work which should have been made available a long time ago to the English speaking world.
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