Ourselves
Summary
This editorial introduces the Schubring Special Number of A Quarterly On Jainology. It emphasises the importance of Professor Walther Schubring's contributions to Jain studies. Schubring studied Prakrit canon, produced translations, wrote works like Die Lehre der Jainas (The Doctrine of the Jains), taught at the University of Hamburg and translated Jain texts; he belonged to the tradition of Ernst Leumann and Herman Jacobi. The editorial explains that the issue collects tributes from scholars including F.R. Hamm and Klaus Bruhn, and includes research articles, a verse concordance project, a study of celestial symbolism at Ranakpur, and answers to twenty questions about Jainism, plus a report on research in Indian universities. It underscores the need for cross-cultural research and publication to bring Jain texts to global attention. The article emphasises that the journal, begun by Indian scholars, aims to provide a forum for rigorous research on Jainism and to foster understanding of Jain principles such as non‑violence (ahimsa), the path to liberation through correct view, knowledge and conduct, and the tradition of tirthankaras who, after attaining omniscience, preach dharma and provide a path across samsara. It acknowledges that modern scholarship on Jainism began with European Indologists in the 19th century; early prints of the Śvetāmbara canon appeared between 1874 and 1900, and Hermann Jacobi’s 1879 research established Jainism’s independence from Buddhism and Hinduism. The editorial encourages collaboration between Indian and foreign scholars to continue this work and to recognise the lasting impact of Schubring’s philological approach to Jain texts.
Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.
Conclusion
The editorial "Ourselves" serves as a preface to the Schubring special issue. It honours Professor Walther Schubring, summarises his career as a pioneer of modern Jain philology, and introduces the issue’s diverse contributions. By contextualising the journal within a tradition of Jain studies that began in the 19th century and by highlighting core Jain ideas such as the tirthankaras who teach a path across samsara, it underscores the importance of cross‑cultural collaboration in preserving and interpreting Jain literature.