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Perhaps the most controversial ascetic of the modern reform movement in Jainism is Acharya Chandananji. Born in 1937, she has dedicated her life to Mahavir's message of spiritual perfection together with social reconstruction through ahimsa, aparigraha, and anekantavada. Acharya Chandanaji is the head of a worldwide charitable organization - Veerayatan - serving the poor and the needy through charitable hospitals, schools and colleges. She has combined social activism with commitment to teaching Jainism through her articles, books as well as lectures worldwide. Her Hindi translation and commentary on the sacred Agam - Uttaradhyan Sutra; Mahavir's last sermon - is a noteworthy scholarly work. It is the principal source of information for Walk With Me, which is written with the writer's freedom of imagination.
Professor Parikh has earned a reputation as a teacher and an author who could explain complex topics in a simple and easily readable style. The popularity of his earlier book, Jainism and the New Spirituality, in which Dr. Parikh explains principles and practices of Jainism with simplicity and logical analysis, is an eloquent testimony to his writing skill. Dr. Parikh now brings us Walk With Me, a fascinating account of Mahavir's life as a remarkable revolutionary who inspired his contemporary society to be gentle and compassionate to the fellow human beings, animals, plants, and even to the planet earth and its environment. Mahavir's story is very much like the story of the modern world struggling to resolve difficult issues such as wars, terrorism, violence poverty, and social justice. It hopes to set you thinking about our social matrix and your role in it.
