Jainism (Review)

Summary

This section reviews Natalia R. Guseva’s book “Jainism,” translated from Russian. The reviewer welcomes interest in Jainology among Soviet scholars but criticises Guseva for misrepresenting Jainism as a heretical offshoot of Brahmanism rooted in anti‑Vedic and anti‑Aryan sentiments. He argues that Guseva relies heavily on speculative political theories and fails to treat Jainism as an independent religion with its own scriptures, saints and history. Instead, she portrays Jains as atheists driven by materialism who eventually succumbed to Hindu influence. The reviewer counters that Jainism upholds belief in multiple eternal substances, karma and reincarnation, and is deeply ethical and spiritual. He emphasises that Jainism predates Buddhism and has influenced Indian culture for millennia, citing inscriptions, classical literature and Jain contributions to architecture and philosophy. He also notes that Jains are a prosperous, well‑educated community and that their business success and philanthropy have contributed significantly to India’s economy. The review faults Guseva for conflating Jainism with extremist sects and for trivialising its metaphysics and moral principles. According to the reviewer, the book lacks nuance, fails to engage with primary Jain texts and overlooks the Jains’ emphasis on non‑violence, pluralism and social welfare. The review concludes that while the book might raise curiosity about Jainism, readers should seek more accurate sources to understand its rich philosophical tradition. The reviewer recommends that future researchers collaborate with Jain scholars and consult original Prakrit and Sanskrit texts to avoid repeating misinterpretations.