OTHERS
JAINISM: FROM BHAGAVAN MAHAVIRA TO MAHATMA GANDHI
Dr. Pankaj Jain’s monograph on Mahavira, the 24th Tirtha?kara of Jainism, offers a comprehensive exploration of his life, teachings, and enduring influence on Jain virtue ethics and environmental sustainÂability. Structured around the five Jain milestones – conception, birth, renunciation, omniscience, and liberation – the manuscript draws from primary Prakrit and Sanskrit texts, as well as secondary sources in English, Hindi, and Gujarati, to construct a detailed biography. It adÂdresses the scarcity of English-language works on Mahavira compared to those on Buddhism, emphasizing his role in shaping Jainism’s distinct identity.
The introduction critiques the ‘imperialism of categories’, advocating for a dharmic framework that intertwines philosophy, religion, and ecology, avoiding Western dichotomies. Jainism’s core virtues – Ahimsa (nonÂviolence), Aparigraha (non-accumulation), and AnekantaÂvada (pluralism) – are explored as foundational to sustainable pracÂtices, influencing figures like Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.
The manuscript highlights Jainism’s environmental contributions, such as vegetarianism and animal sanctuaries, exemplified by instÂitutions like the Sumati Jeev Raksha Kendra. It also engages with scholarly debates, critiquing Western Indology’s neglect of contemÂporary Indian sources and addressing sectarian disputes, such as Mahavira’s birthplace and marital status.
Supported by FLAME University and the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, this work underscores Mahavira’s legacy in promoting nonÂviolence and ecological consciousness, offering a nuanced perspective on Jainism’s relevance to modern sustainability challenges. Through rigorous analysis and interdisciplinary insights, Jain’s monograph bridges ancient wisdom with contemporary environmental ethics. About the Author Pankaj Jain, Ph.D., is a renowned scholar in Sustainability, Jain Studies, and Film Studies. As the Director of the India Centre at FLAME University, he leads global initiatives promoting Indian culture. With eight books and numerous accolades, including a Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship, he actively engages audiences via his podcast, Discover India (#DiscoverIndia).
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