Book Reviews

Summary

"1. Jaina Karmology: An English Translation with Notes on Chapter Eight of the Tattvārtha-Rāja-Vārtika of Akalaṅka By N.L. Jain (Pārśvanātha Vidyāpīṭha, Varanasi, 1998) i) This work is a translation and commentary on Chapter Eight of Akalaṅka’s Rājavārtika, a Digambara exegesis on Umasvāti’s Tattvārtha-sūtra—a foundational Jain text accepted by both Śvetāmbara and Digambara sects. ii) The Tattvārtha-sūtra is notable as the first Jain scripture written in Sanskrit and uses the sutra-style, similar to Patañjali’s Yoga-sūtras or Bādarāyaṇa’s Vedānta-sūtras. iii) The commentary tradition around the Tattvārtha-sūtra includes over 20 extant works. Śvetāmbaras attribute the Svabhāṣya to Umasvāti himself, while Digambaras refute this and uphold Akalaṅka and Pūjyapāda’s interpretations as more authoritative. iv) Jain’s translation is praised for elucidating the intricate details of Jain karmology, which integrates both qualitative and quantitative dimensions of karma. The system is portrayed as a structured science of self-reflection, lifestyle refinement, and liberation (mokṣa). v) While the introduction is insightful, it occasionally lacks citations and assumes familiarity with source texts, potentially limiting accessibility for general readers. Nonetheless, the appendix aids comprehension. 2. Jainism: An Indian Religion of Salvation i) By Helmuth von Glasenapp, trans. by Shridhar B. Shrotri (Motilal Banarsidass) ii) Originally published in German in 1925, this comprehensive monograph covers Jain history, philosophy, ethics, cosmology, logic, and literature. The English translation arrives 75 years later. iii) Glasenapp’s pioneering study was among the first detailed expositions of Jainism for Western audiences and helped establish its academic legitimacy globally. iv) The reviewer, however, highlights critical inaccuracies—particularly in the treatment of Jain rituals. Glasenapp erroneously portrays some rituals (like weddings with fire or the use of otter’s hair in birth ceremonies) as authentically Jain, whereas they reflect Hindu cultural influences rather than scripturally endorsed Jain practices. v) Despite these cultural conflations, the work remains a foundational and scholarly introduction to Jainism in Western academia. 3. Collected Papers on Jaina Studies By Padmanabh S. Jaini (Motilal Banarsidass, 1999) This volume compiles key published papers from Jaini’s career, offering deep interdisciplinary reflections on Jain thought. It features balanced discussions on doctrinal issues such as women’s liberation in Jainism, contrasting Śvetāmbara and Digambara views, with references to Jain, Buddhist, and Hindu scriptures. A notable inclusion is the translation of Bhavasena’s Digambara text on women’s mokṣa, fostering engagement with 14th-century thought for 21st-century readers. The book's essay format and accessible analysis make it valuable for both scholars and informed general readers seeking nuanced understanding of Jain philosophy and controversies.\