Jainism: An Introduction (Introduction to Religion)

Jainism: An Introduction (Introduction to Religion)
Jeffery D. Long (Author)
(3)

New!: $26.00 $20.51 (as of 02/09/2013 12:41 PST)
13 Used! | New! from $14.00 (as of 02/09/2013 12:41 PST)

Jainism

Jainism evokes images of monks wearing face-masks to protect insects and mico-organisms from being inhaled. Or of Jains sweeping the ground in front of them to ensure that living creatures are not inadvertently crushed: a practice of non-violence so radical as to defy easy comprehension. Yet for all its apparent exoticism, Jainism is still little understood in the West. What is this mysterious philosophy which originated in the 6th century BCE, whose absolute requirement is vegetarianism, and which now commands a following of four million adherents both in its native India and diaspora communities across the globe? In his welcome new treatment of the Jain religion, Long makes an ancient tradition fully intelligible to the modern reader. Plunging back more than two and a half millennia, to the plains of northern India and the life of a prince who--much like the Buddha--gave up a life of luxury to pursue enlightenment, Long traces the history of the Jain community from founding sage Mahavira to the present day. He explores asceticism, worship, the life of the Jain layperson, relations between Jainism and other Indic traditions, the Jain philosophy of relativity, and the implications of Jain ideals for the contemporary world. The book presents Jainism in a way that is authentic and engaging to specialists and non-specialists alike.

• Rank: #153964 in Books
• Published on: 2009-07-15
• Released on: 2009-07-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 8.54" h x 5.47" w x .91" l, .70 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 272 pages

Description #1 by Textbooks.com:

by Jack Sikora - Content Distributors, Inc. (2002) - Print On Demand - ISBN 0595247121 9780595247127

Description #2 by Parable.com:

For all who want to understand the religious faiths of their neighbors and coworkers, Winfried Corduan offers an introduction to the religions of the world. His survey covers major and minor religions including Judaism, Islam, Zoroastrianism, African traditional religions, Native American religion, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Baha'i, Chinese popular religion, and Shinto and Japanese religions. Neighboring Faiths emphasizes not just formal religious teachings but also how each religion is practiced in daily life. Dozens of photographs, charts and maps help illustrate how the faiths are lived out in contemporary culture. Moving beyond mere description, Corduan offers specific suggestions for how Christians can avoid giving unnecessary offense to followers of these faiths while engaging them in constructive dialogue. This edition has been thoroughly revised and expanded, with a new chapter on Islam after 9/11 and additional material throughout.

Description #3 by Barnes & Noble - PaperbackshopUS:

Contributors: Source: Wikipedia - Author. Format: Paperback