Historical Dictionary of JainismJain 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. |
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20th century ācārya According Agamas ahimsā Ahmedabad Anga associated attain liberation mokṣa Bahubali Banaras Belgola bhaṭṭārakas born called canon century C.E. cloth commentaries darśana death deities Delhi devas Digambara Digambara community Digambara mendicant Digambara monk disciples dravya established fasting gaṇadharas Gujarat harm Indology initiated Jain Jain community Jain mendicants Jain temples Jain texts Jaina Jainism Jaipur Jinas Jinasena jīva karma Karnataka kaṣāyas kevalin Kharatara Gaccha Kundakunda lay vows laypeople layperson living Mahāvīra mantras manuscripts meditation mendicant community mendicant conduct mendicant leader ācārya mendicant lineage mendicant vows mahāvratas Muni Mūrtipūjaka mendicant named north India nudity nuns Pandit Panth Pārsvanatha performed philosophy Pradesh Prakrit pratimā pūjā Rajasthan religious renounced the household renunciation rites ritual Rṣabha sacred sādhus samsāra Sangha Sanskrit scholars sectarian tradition siddhas soul jīva south India spiritual Sthānakavāsī Sūtra Śvet Śvetāmbara Śvetāmbara Mūrtipūjaka Syādvāda Tapa Tapā Gaccha teachings Terapanthi Tirthankara trans University worship yakṣa yatis