The present volume A Stroll in Jainism is a co-operative academic venture, containing outstanding research papers of eminent scholars from different disciplines. It is expected to carry the great message of Lord Mahaveer globally and make an abiding contribution to the spread of the ideas and philosophy of Jainism in non-Hindi speaking areas world over. This volume also brings to light new and valuable aspects of Jain literature lying hidden from the searching eyes of scholars and researchers.
Dr. R.M. Das, M.A., Ph.D., D. Litt, Emeritus Professor of Sanskrit and Prakrit, is one of the few indologists in India who have made abiding and valuable contribution in the field of Indological studies; has to his credit several research works and papers highly spoken of by scholars in India and abroad.
After retiring in 1984, he taught in the University Department of Buddhistic studies for more than six years. In 1990, he left the job and since then has been associated with a number of academic bodies, himself successfully carried out several research projects and also guided a number of research scholars.
Dr. Neeraj Kumar, Lecturer, Assistant Editor, P.G. Department of English, Magadh University, Bodh Gaya, Bihar is a rising star in the firmament of Jainological Studies and Research; has to his credit a brilliant academic career; has contributed several research papers in research journals; presented about half a dozen papers at national and international seminars and conferences.
Jainism has been acknowledged as a great religion of the world. It is not only a religion but also spiritual philosophy capable of enlightening human life both internally as well as externally. It is imbued both in Indian thought and Indian culture alike. In Indian culture, Guru has got an important place. He has been, in fact, given higher place than the Almighty. It is the Guru who guides the way to God. God resides in the heart of those who give due respect to Guru. A man cannot attain 'Knowledge' without being blessed by Guru. Even the Devas, Asuras, and Kings have been blessed by Guru. Acharya Brithaspati was the Guru of the Devas, Guru Sukracharya of the Asuras, Brahmarsi, Vasistha of the great Suryavansi Kings and Maharsi Sandilya of the Yadavas. Dronacharya was the Guru of the Kauravas and the Pandavas. The great philosopher Socrates was the Guru of Alexander, the Great. Sri Ramakrishna Paramhamsa was the Guru of Swami Vivekananda. Sikhism is totally based on the tradition of ten Gurus. The first Guru was Sri Nanak Dev and the last was Sri Govind Singh Ji. In Buddhism also, there has been a continuous tradition of the Gurus in the form of Bodhisattvas starting from Lord Buddha. Jainism is also based on the tradition of twenty four Tirthankaras. In Jain religion, the Gurus have been adorned with the titles of 'Acharya' and 'Upadhyaya'.
Upadhyaya Amar Muni has rightly observed, "In the terms of meditation, that guide is Guru whose life has been enlightened by celestial qualities and who wishes to take the people on the same enlightened path". "Swami Vivekananda has also said, "The teacher, like a gardener, helps the student manifest his innate divinity. The teacher must know that he is not giving something new to the student but only is helping him bring out what is latent in him."
The title of Guru or Gurudeva has been conferred on the great persons. Kavindra Rabindra Nath Tagore was called 'Gurudeva' by Mahatma Gandhi. Mahakavi Kalidasa has been called 'Kavi kula Guru'. The great saint Amar Muni Ji Mahārāja has been adorned with the titile of 'Gurudeva'.
Upadhyaya Amar Muni, a sharp metaphysicist was a profound thinker, an eminent scholar and a saint of the highest order. He was born on the auspicious day of Sarat Purnima in 1903 in Godha, a small village rich in naturel surroundings and situated in Närnaul, a hilly town in present Haryana. His father's name was Lal Singh and mother's name was Chameli Devi. He was initiated in the monastic order at the tender age of eleven. He possessed keen intellect, so he mastered himself not only in Jain scriptures but also in Vedic and Buddhistic ones. He made their comparative study and deeply thought over them and understood and interpreted them in rightful way. His conviction was that detachment, selfless service and knowing oneself are the essence of all the religions.
He was known all over India for his progressive interpretation of Jain scriptures in consonance with the present day scientific creative revolution. He vehemently attacked the evils lying in social, religious and political life of the people and offered practical solution to meet and solve them.
He had to his credit a great number of publications in almost all the forms of literary composition and in most of the problems of human behaviour both in individual as well as social context. He was the first Jain ascetic who thought deeply on both the problems of this as well as the other world. He laid great emphasis on the coordination of man and society. Being a rare combination of man and superman, he devoted his entire life equally for the cause of religion and humanity.
Hindu (935)
Agriculture (118)
Ancient (1086)
Archaeology (753)
Architecture (563)
Art & Culture (910)
Biography (702)
Buddhist (544)
Cookery (167)
Emperor & Queen (565)
Islam (242)
Jainism (307)
Literary (896)
Mahatma Gandhi (372)
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