"Historical Dictionary of Jainism provides information on the two main sectarian traditions of Jainism, the Svetambaras and Digambaras, from their early history to the present. It also includes information on various reform movements within these two traditions, such as the Sthanakavast, Svetambara Terapanthis, Digambara Terapanthis, and the followers of Taran Svami, Srimad Rajacandra, and Kanji Svami. The dictionary section contains more than 450 individual entries, with technical terms, mendicant lineages, mendicant and lay practices and vows, biographies of influential mendicant leaders and scholars in the mendicant and lay communities, as well as entries on various Tirthankaras, ancillary deities, and pilgrimage sites. An introduction describes the basic teachings of Jainism, the history of the mendicant community in India, and the growth of the lay community in India and during the Diaspora. Along with a chronology, there is a listing of the normative scriptural texts in the Svetambara and Digambara traditions; an appendix with information on the twenty-four Tirthankaras, the Jain festival calendar, the fourteen stages of spiritual progress (gunasthanas), and the vows of restraint for a layperson (pratimas); and an extensive bibliography of scholarly works and texts in translation, arranged by subject. This comprehensive dictionary will be a valuable reference for anyone interested in South Asian religions or the study of nonviolence and conflict resolution."--Jacket.
"Jain is the term used for a person who has faith in the teachings of the Jinas ('Spiritual Victors'). Jinas are human beings who have overcome all passions (kasayas) and have attained enlightenment or omniscience (kevala-jnana), who teach the truths they realized to others, and who attain liberation (moksa) from the cycle of rebirth (samsara). At the core of these teachings is nonviolence (ahimsa), which has remained the guiding principle of Jain ethics and practices to this day. In comparison with other religious traditions of South Asia, Jains are few in number, comprising less than one percent of India's population. The Jain lay and mendicant communities, however, have maintained an unbroken presence in India for more than 2,500 years and have influenced its culture throughout this time. Historical Dictionary of Jainism covers the history of Jainism that spans a period of more than 2,500 years. The history, values, concepts and scriptures, eminent mendicant and lay leaders and scholars, places, institutions, and social and cultural factors are covered in over 450 dictionary entries. This comprehensive reference work also includes an introductory essay, explanation of the Jain scriptures, chronology, appendices, bibliography, and an 8-page black-and-white photo spread. This book provides an excellent introduction and overview to Jainism for scholars, students, and general readers."--