Books on Jainology

Summary

This section surveys a set of recent publications on Jainology in Hindi, Gujarati and English to guide readers interested in deepening their understanding of Jain philosophy and history. One highlighted book is a treatise on samatā (equanimity) which argues that equanimity is not indifference but a natural property of the soul that can be achieved through purification of the leshyas (psychic colourations); by ridding oneself of anger, pride, deceit and greed, practitioners attain inner joy and remain unperturbed by pleasure and painhttps://jainworld.com/philosophy/others/preksha-dhayan/transmutation-of-personality-through-preksha-meditation/the-birth-of-equanimity/#:~:text=Ans,on%20the%20purification%20of%20feelingshttps://jainworld.com/philosophy/others/preksha-dhayan/transmutation-of-personality-through-preksha-meditation/the-birth-of-equanimity/#:~:text=All%20souls%20are%20equal%2C%20all,have%20the%20same%20nature. Another entry reviews a Gujarati biography of Mahāvīra that recounts his birth near Vaishali, his renunciation at age thirty, his decade‑long austerities and meditation, and his final attainment of kevala‑jñāna and nirvāṇahttps://jainworld.com/literature/jain-history/life-of-mahavira/#:~:text=BIRTHPLACEhttps://jainworld.com/literature/jain-history/life-of-mahavira/#:~:text=Mah%C3%A4v%C3%AFra%20renounced%20the%20world%20at,account%20of%20his%20ascetic%20life. A Hindi novel titled “Nirgranth Yati” (The Unfettered Monk) presents the story of a fictional ascetic who struggles to uphold ahimsa in the face of social injustice; the narrative illustrates Jain ethics through dramatic episodes and encourages readers to empathise with monastic discipline. A collection of short stories by several authors explores themes such as forgiveness, compassion toward animals and the dilemmas faced by modern householders trying to practise Jain vows. The list also mentions an English‑language translation of the medieval Tamil epic “Cīvaka Cintāmaṇi,” enabling non‑Tamil speakers to appreciate this Jain romance about a princely hero who renounces worldly pleasures. Another book, the “International Jain Conference Souvenir,” compiles papers from a global gathering of scholars and lay leaders, addressing topics ranging from the history of Jain diaspora communities to contemporary challenges like environmental ethics and animal rights. A final entry, “History of the Jain Theory of the Atom,” traces the evolution of Jain cosmological and atomic theories from early canonical texts through medieval commentaries, comparing them with Greek and Buddhist atomism; this scholarly work emphasises that Jain thinkers conceptualised matter as composed of tiny, indestructible particles governed by karmic laws. Each description includes price and publication details, making it easy for readers to order. The section underscores that these books collectively offer resources for seekers at different levels: the treatise on equanimity provides practical meditation guidance; the biography and novel humanise Tirthankaras and monks; the short stories illustrate ethical dilemmas; the epic translation and historical study showcase Jain contributions to world literature and science. By presenting them side by side, the magazine encourages readers to build a well‑rounded Jain library and to support publishers who preserve and disseminate Jain heritage. It also hints at the growing global interest in Jainism, suggesting that readers share these resources with libraries and educational institutions to promote awareness beyond the Jain communityhttps://jainworld.com/philosophy/others/preksha-dhayan/transmutation-of-personality-through-preksha-meditation/the-birth-of-equanimity/#:~:text=Ans,on%20the%20purification%20of%20feelingshttps://jainworld.com/literature/jain-history/life-of-mahavira/#:~:text=BIRTHPLACEhttps://jainworld.com/philosophy/others/preksha-dhayan/transmutation-of-personality-through-preksha-meditation/the-birth-of-equanimity/#:~:text=All%20souls%20are%20equal%2C%20all,have%20the%20same%20nature.