Download Free History Of Jainism In Kerala Book in PDF and EPUB Free Download. You can read online History Of Jainism In Kerala and write the review.

Is a total renunciation of clothing a prerequisite to attaining spiritual liberation? In Gender and Salvation, Padmanabh S. Jaini brings to light previously untranslated texts centering on a centuries-old debate between the two principal Jaina sects, the Digambaras and the Svetambaras. At the core of the debate is the question of whether gender-based differences of biology and life experience shape or limit an individual’s ability to accomplish the ultimate religious goal. For the Digambaras, the example of total nudity set by Mahavira (599–527 B.C.), the central spiritual figure of Jainism, mandates an identical practice for all who aspire to the highest levels of religious attainment. For the Svetambaras, the renunciation occurs purely on an internal level and is neither affected nor confirmed by the absence of clothes. Both sects agree, however, that nudity is not permitted for women under any circumstances. The Digambaras, therefore, believe that women cannot attain salvation, while the Svetambaras believe they can. Through their analysis of this dilemma, the Jaina thinkers whose texts are translated here demonstrate a level of insight into the material and spiritual constraints on women that transcends the particular question of salvation and relates directly to current debates on the effects of gender in our own society. This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1991.
Echoes of History is a historical narrative that brings to life the former princely states of Travancore and Cochin. The author has revealed the history of the region through word pictures based on the accounts of people who were directly a part of the events she writes about. Beautiful old pictures support the narration. The book is both interesting and educative. History and fascinating facts are intertwined with anecdotes and legends. The book captures an era that the world will never see again. An age when graciousness and courtesy reigned supreme. This makes it a stimulating read for all age groups and people from every walk of life. The chapters of the book feature lesser-known facets of Kerala’s history – for instance, how one man made Kerala a global tourist destination, or the humble beginnings of India’s space research programme. The story of how the Jains came to Kerala and contributed to its high literacy rate makes for fascinating reading, as do the legends surrounding the famous boat races. The book covers diverse topics ranging from banking to a wonderful football academy and even a delightful sailing club that is now housed on what is possibly India’s most expensive piece of real estate! The book's objective is to chronicle events and achievements that have largely been forgotten, which in a sense is both an injustice to the people concerned, as well as a gap in our recorded history. It is written with gentle humour from a perspective of deep affection and delight in the land and its people. It also serves as a well-researched historical narrative.
A Buddhist monk takes up arms to resist the Chinese invasion of Tibet - then spends the rest of his life trying to atone for the violence by hand printing the best prayer flags in India. A Jain nun tests her powers of detachment as she watches her best friend ritually starve herself to death. Nine people, nine lives; each one taking a different religious path, each one an unforgettable story. William Dalrymple delves deep into the heart of a nation torn between the relentless onslaught of modernity and the ancient traditions that endure to this day. LONGLISTED FOR THE BBC SAMUEL JOHNSON PRIZE
The Indian religion of Jainism, whose central tenet involves non-violence to all creatures, is one of the world's oldest and least-understood faiths. Dundas looks at Jainism in its social and doctrinal context, explaining its history, sects, scriptures and ritual, and describing how the Jains have, over 2500 years, defined themselves as a unique religious community. This revised and expanded edition takes account of new research into Jainism.