Study of Jainism

Author(s): T G Kalghatgi
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

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I am glad to know that one more book entitled "Study of Jainism" by Dr. T. G. Kalghatgi, Professor and Head, Department of Jainology, University of Madras, is being published by Prakrit Bharati Academy, Jaipur.
FOREWORD
Dr. Kalghatgi is an eminent scholar of Jainism, Jaina Philosophy and Psychology and he is well-versed in Indian Philosophy. He has written many books on Jainism and on Philosophy and Psychology, of very high international standards. The books have been well received in this world of scholarship both in India and abroad.
This book is in two parts. The first part is mainly historical and Dr. T. G. Kalghatgi begins the study with an extensive outline of the History of Jainism giving the life and teachings of Rsabha Tirthankara and also brief study of other tirthankaras. He has also introduced a chapter on Mahavira's life and teaching. In this he has seen to it that mythological aspect of the life stories of tirthankaras is not mentioned. He has been, as far as possible, faithful to the historical aspects of the Jaina studies.
In the second part, he has discussed philosophical aspect of Jainism like Jaina Logic, Jaina Epistemology and Jaina Metaphysics. His interpretation of Jaina logic of Anekānta and Syādvāda is quite modern. He has given a comparative study of many modern philosophers including the recent eminent philosophers like Bertrand Russell, Alexander and others.
In discussion of Jaina Ethics, he has given modern interpretation of the Concept of Ahimsa and its applications to the modern world.
The book is a great contribution to the Jaina Literature and I hope it will be very well received and studied by the scholars of Jainism.
Madras, 30-3-1988.
S. SRIPAL, I. P. S.,
Inspector General of Prisons, Tamilnadu.