Book Review
Summary
1. Book Review: The Epic of Nemi by Karnapārya (Translated by Dr. Stefan Anacker) i) Original Work: A 12th-century Kannada Jain narrative poem (Nēminātha Purāṇa, 1127 C.E.) by poet Karnapārya about Nemi, the 22nd Tīrthaṅkara, a prominent figure in South Indian Jainism, especially Karnataka. ii) Translation: English translation by Dr. Stefan Anacker (2002, Institute of Jain Studies, Śravaṇabeḷagoḷa), comprising 14 chapters across 514 pages (plus preliminaries). Content Overview: iii) Chapters 1–7 narrate Nemi’s previous lives and his birth to King Samudravijaya and Queen Śrīdēvī on the 13th day of Vaiśākha (April–May). iv) Chapter 13 describes the pivotal moment when Nemi, en route to his wedding with Rājamatī (daughter of King Ugrasena), witnesses animals penned for slaughter and renounces worldly life out of compassion. v) Final chapters cover his renunciation, spiritual practices, and liberation atop Urajayaanta mountain in Āṣāḍha (June–July), achieving Final Liberation (mokṣa). vi) Historical Insight: Dr. Kamata Prasad Jain asserts Neminātha was a cousin of Krishna and lived around 1000 B.C.E., aligning with the Mahābhārata war date (c. 950 B.C.E., per Pargiter). vii) Significance: This is only the second major Jain Purāṇa rendered into English, following the Triṣaṣṭi-Śalākāpuruṣa-Carita (translated ~40 years prior). 2. Book Review: Srimad Rajchandra: The Centenary Year (Ed. Sudhaben Sheth) Nature: A Gujarati compendium (2001, Sahaj Shrut Parab Publication, Rajkot; 215 pages) celebrating 100 years of Srimad Rajchandra's legacy. Content: i) Ten-section structure includes letters (notably nos. 14, 84, 180, and 954), an abridged Mokṣamārga, and commentary on Ātmasiddhi's first two lines. ii) Presents translations in several languages: Hindi (2 versions), Sanskrit, Marathi, Bengali, Kannada (1 version each), and English (2 versions). iii) Includes biographical and philosophical materials: Vachanāmṛta, Jīvanakalā, Upadeśāmṛta, Bodhāmṛta, prashastis, stavans, and rare photos and handwritten notes. iv) Appraisal: Adds valuable insight into Shrimad Rajchandra’s thought, though its Gujarati medium limits accessibility for English readers.
Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.
Conclusion
These two book reviews offer valuable insights into Jain literature and philosophy. Dr. Stefan Anacker’s translation of The Epic of Nemi brings the 12th-century Jain narrative to a global audience, highlighting the spiritual journey of Nemi, the 22nd Tīrthaṅkara. Meanwhile, Srimad Rajchandra: The Centenary Year provides a comprehensive compilation of Srimad Rajchandra’s works and legacy, offering deep philosophical reflections and biographical materials. Both works contribute significantly to the preservation and understanding of Jain thought, though the accessibility of the latter remains constrained by its Gujarati medium.