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The book comprises tutorial lectures delivered on Jainism for common-folks (especially residents of North America) who are Jains but are not familiar with the history and tenets of Jainism. It will also be useful to those who are interested in the various aspects of Jainism and its place in the history of Indian civilization. The book discusses History of Jainism, Mythology, Jain Agam Literature, Jain Doctrine of 'Predestination', The Notion of Dharma, Art of Jain Meditation and Jaina Influence of Gandhi's Thoughts. ... Read more

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Harmless Souls considers doctrinal change and its implication for religious practice in early Jainism. It focuses on evolving views about the conditions necessary for karmic bondage and the liberation of embodies souls, as described in parts of the early Svetambara canon, Umasvati's Tattvartha Sutra, and the major works of Kundakunda. ... Read more

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WORLD RELIGIONS, ANCIENT SACRED TEXTS, SIKHISM, JAINISM: The purpose of this series of texts is very simple.We have striven to compile the best of the better known and the least known of the ancient sacred texts from every religion throughout the world and throughout time. It is our hope that this series of volumes makes it possible for a lay reader to truly access some of the most important world literature in religion without having to have a library of 5,000 books in their possession. In these volumes, you will find everything you need to know to have a well-rounded and deep understanding of the many different faiths and belief systems in our world.(For more info- www.outofbodytravel.org) ... Read more

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This is a literary classic biography of the Jain world. All Aspects of Jain religious order are depicted in this illustrious book. Sixty three stories of Tirthankar, Chakravarti, Baldev, Vasudev and Prativasudev are described with their previous births. ... Read more

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Originally published in 1902.This volume from the Cornell University Library's print collections was scanned on an APT BookScan and converted to JPG 2000 format by Kirtas Technologies.All titles scanned cover to cover and pages may include marks notations and other marginalia present in the original volume. ... Read more

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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 600 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. ... Read more

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The Yogasastra and its voluminous auto-commentary, the Svopajnavrtti, is the most comprehensive treatise on Svetambara Jainism. Written in the twelfth century by the polymath Hemacandra, it was instrumental in the survival and growth of Jainism in India as well as in the spreading of Sanskrit culture within Jaina circles. Its influence extended far beyond confessional and geographical borders and it came to serve as a handbook for the Jain community in Gujarat and overseas. It is a systematic presentation of a set of ideas and practices originally belonging to the Svetambara canonical scriptures and traditions molded into a coherent whole with the help of a long row of scholastic thinkers. Hemacandra integrates innovations of his own as well as non-Jaina elements of pan-Indian and Saiva provenance, attesting to a strong Tantric influence on medieval Jainism. Some of these elements came to be perpetually included within Svetambara orthopraxy and orthodoxy due to the normative status acquired by the Yogasastra. The present translation is the first of its kind in a Western language.

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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 lay and mendicant communities of the Jain, however, have maintained an unbroken presence in India for more than 2,500 years and have influenced its culture throughout this time. The A to Z 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, lay leaders, and scholars; and places, institutions, 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, appendixes, and bibliography. This book provides an excellent introduction and overview to Jainism for scholars, students, and general readers. ... Read more

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Book Description:

"Jainism, traditionally known as Jain Dharma, is one of the oldest religions in the world. It is a religion and philosophy originating in ancient India. The Jains follow the teachings of the 24 Jinas (conquerors) who are also known as Tirthankars. The 24th Tirthankar, Lord Mahavira lived in ca. 6th century BC. One of the main characteristics of Jain belief is the emphasis on the immediate consequences of one's behavior.

Jains are a small but influential religious minority with at least 4.2 million practitioners in modern India and more in growing immigrant communities in the United States, Western Europe, the Far East and elsewhere. Jains continue to sustain the ancient Shraman or ascetic tradition.

Jains have significantly influenced the religious, ethical, political and economic spheres in India for over two millennia. Jainism stresses spiritual independence and equality of all life with particular emphasis on non-violence. Self-control is vital for attaining omniscience (kevala jnana) and eventually moksha, or realization of the soul's true nature.

A Jain is a follower of the Jina, or spiritual victor. Per ancient and contemporary usage, as well as dictionary definitions, a follower of Jain Dharma, or Jainism, is called a Jain. The term Jainist which is found on some internet websites is not used in either literature or common parlance.

Jains have an ancient tradition of scholarship. The Jain community is the most literate religious community in India, and the Jain libraries are India's oldest." (Quote from wikipedia.org)

Table of Contents:

Publisher's Preface; Ten virtues Of Monks; Twelve Bhavnas (reflections Or Thoughts); Twelve Vows Of Layperson; Fourteen Auspicious Dreams Of Mother Trishala; Five Bodies And Eight Vargnas; Five Great Vows (maha-vratas); Six Universal Entities (substances Or Dravyas); Meaning Of Ashta Prakari Puja; Nine Tattvas (principles)

About the Publisher:

Forgotten Books is a publisher of historical writings, such as: Philosophy, Classics, Science, Religion, Esoteric and Mythology. www.forgottenbooks.org

Forgotten Books is about sharing information, not about making money. All books are priced at wholesale prices. We are also the only publisher we know of to print in large sans-serif font, which is proven to make the text easier to read and put less strain on your eyes. ... Read more

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The High Holidays are the most important festivals of the Jewish year, and all Jews have their own memories of thses special days. It's a time to remember, a time to be with families, and a time to tell stories about past generations. And you don't need to be Jewish to appreciate this, because the 21st centruy is a much smaller world, with many different faiths coming together. High Holiday Stories is filled with 101 heartfelt holiday remembrances, from famous people, and some only known in their own circle of family and friends. They recount varied Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur experiences, from observing the holiday in the Colorado Rockies to Army bases in Iraq, even online in L.A. The stories come from people of all ages, all professions, from New York to California, New Zealoand to England.

For me the High Holiday are an opportunity to connect with people I love and a chance to make amends to those I may have hurt, recalls Nancy Rips. It's my busiest time of year! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Bridget's Review

This was a fun collection that reminded me of different times in my life.I'm not jewish but that doesn't mean that I don't enjoy learning about others' family, friends and events.I love Nancy's voice and really enjoyed taking a look at her world.

High on High Holiday Stories
Of all the joys of celebrating Rosh Hashanah one of the most pleasurable ones is to relieve memories that we shared with their parents, our relatives, our friends and our own children as they were growing up.

Yet year after year we tell the same stories.Now Nancy Rips, in her new book High Holiday Stories adds to our delight of the year with new stories, new experiences that are both unique, funny and highly inspirational. A true Simcha to be shared and read by all/

As I read through the pages I feel like I am in each story, and can relate to my own traditions and those of my family.High Holiday Stories is long overdue and is a great text next to all the others that should be drawn upon for its spirituality to start a new year with new memories and new traditions.

Thoughtful new book about the High Holidays
This charming collection of personal stories will delight everyone in your family. These are Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur stories to share, stories to talk about, stories to remember. It's the perfect gift to bring to a family Rosh Hashanah dinner or a Break the Fast.

A sweet book about the High Holidays
Hey, that's me! Coincidentally, the first entry Nancy Rips writes in her remembrances of High Holidays past happens to be my own fondest religious memory from my childhood. "I loved sitting next to my dad during High Holiday services and playing with the fringes of his tallit," she writes. "I would braid them, count them, curl them, and roll them around my fingers. It was a comforting feeling to sit there in the enveloped warmth of my dad." Rips brings readers right back to the quiet moments when there is nothing more to do than sit next to your dad. A moment like this, and many of the others remembered in High Holiday Stories, encapsulates the spiritual observance of simplicity, often forgotten in today's busy world.

Nancy Rips presents a variety of quotes, witticisms and stories about the Jewish High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur in this charming, little book. Some entries are profound. Some are silly. Some are more poignant than they first appear, like Michael Kors' memory of stealing yarmulkes, and taking them home to use them to make doll clothes. Refreshingly, not all the memories are feel-good. Some are sweet, but some are bitter too. Some of the quotes are by celebrities. Most are by the rest of us commoners. High Holidays is a book you can dip into to fish out a story sure to remind you to appreciate the gifts of life. Priorities. Family. Ritual. Atonement. Forgiveness. And food.

Rips organizes the entries into eight, related chapters of holiday memories, such as "Who Put the Rush in Rosh Hashanah?", "Fast Foods: How do you stop thinking about food when you aren't supposed to eat or drink for an entire 25-hour period?" and the humorous conclusion "Let My People Enjoy." In "Why Are these Holidays Different from All Other Holidays?" she presents a myriad of ways the High Holidays are observed - in Baghdad, in college, after a hurricane. According to one brief tale written by Rabbi Barbara Aiello, Jewish people in Italy have a Rosh Hashanah Seder. (Americans have the Seder at Passover.) On Italian Seder plates, they have dates, pomegranates, apples, pumpkin, scallions, and sometimes even a fish head. These stories remind us that it's not the exact ritual, but the intent behind it, that makes these holidays special.

High Holidays would make the perfect gift for that perfect someone in your life. Or get it for yourself, for when you need a little reminder or pick-me-up. After all, as Rips notes a Jewish proverb as saying, "Worries go down better with chicken soup than without."

Quill says: Spoon up a little matzo ball soup for the soul in this sweet, little book about the High Holidays. ... Read more

Product Description
THIS 80 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Short Studies in the Science of Comparative Religions Embracing All the Religions of Asia, by J. G. R. Forlong. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 0766101576. ... Read more

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The first comprehensive study of Jainism to be published in the West. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A comprehensive, accurate and up-to-date survey of Jainism.
At Last! Here is a comprehensive, accurate and up-to-date survey of the Jain community and its ancient faith, written by a well-known practising Jain. In two substantial volumes, totalling around 700 pages, Dr NatubhaiShah has produced what will surely be the definitive guide to Jainism for along time to come. There is nothing to match it in any European language.These two volumes should be in every important reference library and inevery academic library where world religions are studied. Scholars willwant their own copy for constant reference (and enjoyment, for this is avery enjoyable work). The author draws on his own experience as a Jain bybirth, upbringing and sincere belief, as well as on his extensive studiesin English and Indian languages, to present a full picture which isunrivalled in the available literature. He discusses the history ofJainism, the Jain community and popular religion, the modern situation andcurrent trends. In the second volume he ranges widely over the Jain view ofthe universe, philosophy, logic and science. He outlines the corpus ofsacred scriptures and describes the Jain heritage in art and architecture:Jain temples are amongst the finest in India. He ends his work by placingJainism in the context of the world's spiritual quest. The two volumes arehandsomely produced, with well-chosen illustrations. They are well-indexed,with bibliographies of works in English and Indian languages and anextensive glossary of Sanskrit and Prakrit terms. ... Read more

Product Description
The first comprehensive study of Jainism to be published in the West. ... Read more

Product Description
THIS 80 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Short Studies in the Science of Comparative Religions Embracing All the Religions of Asia, by J. G. R. Forlong. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 0766101576. ... Read more

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High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Transtheistic is a term coined by philosopher Paul Tillich or Indologist Heinrich Zimmer, referring to a system of thought or religious philosophy which transcends theism, and is thus neither theistic nor atheistic. Zimmer applies the term to the theological system of Jainism, which is theistic in the limited sense that the gods exist, but become immaterial as they are transcended by moksha. Zimmer uses the term to describe the position of the Tirthankaras having passed "beyond the godly governors of the natural order". The term has more recently also been applied to Buddhism, Advaita Vedanta and the Bhakti movement. ... Read more