Books Received
By Kastur Chand Lalwani, Srichand Rampuria, Srichand
Summary
The “Books Received” section announces six recently published works that enrich the study of Jainism. K.C. Lalwani’s *Jaina Tirthankaras* offers short biographical sketches of the twenty‑four Tirthankaras of the Jain spiritual order. Mohanlal Mehta’s commemorative volume *Jaina Culture* recounts the antiquity and history of Jainism and summarises a broad range of doctrines—reality, knowledge, judgement, karma, reincarnation and conduct—and concludes with a survey of Jain art and architecture. Srichand Rampuria’s monograph *Jainism as a Faith and Religion* provides a concise account of the six constituents of the world, the causes of bondage and the process of liberation and delineates the fourfold path of right faith, right knowledge, right conduct and austerity. Two translations by T.S. Jeevabandhu Sripal illustrate Jain ethics in popular form. *Hunter Who Became a Vegetarian*, translated from Tamil by Raju Chettiar, blends a story from ancient Tamil literature with quotations from the *Tirukkural* and opinions of modern leaders to advocate vegetarianism and condemn meat‑eating and animal sacrifice. The short book *Nila Udamai Ucha Varam*, written in Telugu, uses comparisons with Gandhi, Lenin and Marx to show how the essential tenets of Jaina philosophy—non‑violence, equality and self‑discipline—remain relevant and adaptable to contemporary society. Sripal’s final title, *Vijayamangalam*, also in Telugu, traces the history of the Vijayamangalam Temple, providing cultural and historical context for this important site. Collectively, the section reflects the diversity of modern Jain literature. It encompasses hagiography, doctrinal exposition, intellectual history, ethical narratives and temple history. By summarising the contents and objectives of each book, the editors offer readers guidance on resources that can deepen understanding of Jain philosophy, ritual and culture. The focus on vegetarianism, social justice and the universal applicability of Jain ethics demonstrates that contemporary authors aim not only to preserve tradition but also to interpret it for modern audiences. This curated list thus serves both as a record of the community’s scholarly output and as a gateway for anyone seeking to explore Jainism’s multifaceted heritage.
Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.
Conclusion
The books highlighted here showcase the range of genres through which Jain thought is expressed—from biographical sketches and doctrinal expositions to ethical tales and temple histories. Each work contributes to preserving and disseminating Jain heritage, whether by chronicling the lives of the Tirthankaras, interpreting fundamental doctrines, illustrating the moral power of vegetarianism or documenting important sacred sites. Together, they reveal a living tradition engaged with both its classical sources and contemporary social issues.