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 Jainism


Studies In Jainism: Primer by Duli Chandra Jain
"Highly recommended"


Realize What You Are : The Dynamics of Jain Meditation by Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanu, Leonard M. Marks (Editor)

Twelve Facets of Reality: The Jain Path to Freedom by Muni Chitrabhanu
Reviewer from New York, NY, USA - Based on twelve talks, each chapter presents different facets of reality which reveal the inherent perfection and radiant quality of the enlightened human consciousness. By taking each bhavana into your living, you begin to focus on life instead of death, on fullness instead of lack, on inner strength instead of dependency, on unity instead of alienation. In this transformation of perception lies the path to freedom.

Studies In Jainism: Reader 1 Studies In Jainism: Reader 2 by Duli C. Jain (Editor) 

Nonviolence to Animals, Earth, and Self in Asian Traditions by Christopher Key Chapple 

Jainism : The World of Conquerors by Natubhai Shah 
Reviewer: Dr Paul Marett from Leicester, UK 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 Natubhai Shah has produced what will surely be the definitive guide to Jainism for a long time to come. There is nothing to  match it in any European language. These two volumes should be in every important reference library and in every academic library where world religions are studied. Scholars will want their own copy for constant reference (and enjoyment, for this is a very enjoyable work). The author draws on his own experience as a Jain by birth, upbringing and sincere belief, as well as on his extensive studies in English and Indian languages, to present a full picture which is unrivalled in the available literature. He discusses the history of Jainism, the Jain community and popular religion, the modern situation and current trends. In the second volume he ranges widely over the Jain view of the universe, philosophy, logic and science. He outlines the corpus of sacred scriptures and describes the Jain heritage in art and architecture: Jain temples are amongst the finest in India. He ends his work by  placing Jainism in the context of the world's spiritual quest. The two volumes are handsomely produced, with well-chosen illustrations. They are well-indexed, with bibliographies of works in English and Indian languages and an extensive glossary of Sanskrit and Prakrit terms.


Riches and Renunciation : Religion, Economy, and Society Among the Jains (Oxford Studies in Social and Cultural Anthropology) by James A. Laidlaw
The Jains of India are a flourishing and prosperous community, but their religion is  focused on the teaching and example of ascetic renouncers, whose austere regime is actually dedicated to ending worldly life and often culminates in a fast to death. This book, which draws upon a detailed study of Jainism in the city of Jaipur, shows how renunciation and ascetism play a central part in the life of a thriving business community, and how world-renunciation combines for Jain families with the pursuit of worldly happiness. 

The Lives of the Jain Elders
Acharya Hemachandra 


That Which is Acharya Umaswati Book Description: That Which Is, known as the Tattvartha Sutra to Jains, is recognized by all four Jaina traditions as the earliest, most authoritative and comprehensive summary of their religion. Unique in bringing together classical commentaries from each tradition, this translation of the Tattvartha Sutra provides in one volume a detailed explanation of the universe, the place of humanity within it, and the path through it to liberation. Spiritual leaders and scholars of all Jaina sects have overseen the selections and translation of this extraordinary book. Included is the classical commentary of the origional author, Umasvati, as well as those of later philosophers from both main  sects. Also presented are essays by translator Dr. Nathmal Tatia and chief advisor professor Padmanabh S. Jaini. This excellent introduction to Jaina belief is illuminated by thirteen diagrams and is an invaluable resource for understanding one of the oldest religious traditions in India. Sponsored by the Institute of Jainology 


 
 
 
 

Jainism, A Pictorial Guide to the Religion of Non-Violence by Kurt Titze

Jaina Relgion and Art by Ananda Chandra Sahoo 

Jainism and Prakrit in Ancient and Medieval India (Essays for Prof. Jagdish Chandra Jain) by N.N. Bhattacharyya (Editor) 


Open Boundaries : Jain Communities and Cultures in Indian History by John Cort (Editor) 

The Scientific Foundations of Jainism by K.V. Mardia 

Karma the Mechanism : Create Your Own Fate by Hermann Kuhn 
 

Vegetarianism and Cookbooks:
 

Melody of India Cuisine : Tasteful New Vegetarian Recipes Celebrating Soy and Tofu in Traditional Indian Foods
by Laxmi Jain, Manoj Jain (Contributor) Midwest Book Review Melody of India Cuisine is a spectacular innovation in Indian Cuisines celebrating the vegetarian and nutritional virtues of soy, blended artistically in superb traditional Indian cooking with more than 150 innovative recipes including curries, kookris, ghundis, parathas, pooris, raitas, chutneys, and more! Clear instructions with explanatory drawings make it easy and interesting to prepare these wonderful dishes. A nutritional analysis accompanies each recipe. You can also make your own soy milks, tofu, and other delicious soy products at home. Melody of India Cuisine will make the palate sing! 

Classic Indian Vegetarian and Grain Cooking by Julie Sahni
"an inspiring masterpiece"

Become a Vegetarian in Five Easy Steps.! by Christine H. Beard 
"Provides a simple, easy-to-follow plan"


Madhur Jaffrey's World-Of-The-East Vegetarian Cookbook by Madhur Jaffrey
Reviewer from Minnesota Ever since I got this book, I have been wanting to know where I can apply to be Ms. Jaffrey's friend. I'm  guessing she has more than she can handle, though. Not only does this book have unbelievable recipes from everywhere in the East, it also has her wonderful little stories about how she happened upon each recipe. Even if  I didn't cook, I would want it for the stories. But this is where I got one of the most wonderful, simple recipes  I've ever made -- Yow Bing (Chinese scallion pancakes). Even the simplest things, like Diced Potatoes with Spinach, are enlivened with interesting spices and make you want to eat your fill. This is one of those books that should be available with laminated pages to keep the stains off!