Book Review
By Ashij Kumar, T. G. Kalghatgi, Mikal Austin Radford, M. A. Dhaky
Summary
This final section features book reviews of three major publications that enrich the field of Jain studies: 1. Arhat Pārśva and Dharaṇendra Nexus (Ed. M.A. Dhaky) A collection of 14 research papers from a 1987 seminar, grouped into three categories: i) Pārśva in literature: Canonical and hymnal insights on the 23rd Jina. ii) Pārśva and Dharaṇendra: Exploration of their mythic and devotional relationship, including Bhadrabāhu authorship confusion. iii) Art and archaeology: Studies of Pārśva temples and images across India (4th–15th c. CE). This work is a significant contribution to both Jain narrative theology and iconographic history. 2. Mahāvīra: Le Grand Héros des Jains (Pierre Amiel) A French translation of Dr. Boolchand's 1948 English work on Mahāvīra’s life and teachings. Spanning seven chapters, it traces Mahāvīra’s era, doctrine, and the schisms in Jainism, thus making Jain philosophy more accessible to Francophone audiences. 3. Jaina View of Life (T.G. Kalghatgi, 2nd Ed. 1997) A reissued collection of eight revised essays plus two new chapters on: i) “Right Understanding – Some Hurdles” ii) “Jaina Mysticism” iii) Kalghatgi bridges Western and Eastern philosophical traditions, comparing Whitehead’s process philosophy with anekāntavāda. He presents Jainism as not merely a metaphysical doctrine but as a practical way of life, rooted in ethics, logic, and pluralism.
Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.
Conclusion
Together, these reviewed works reflect the intellectual richness, spiritual depth, and global reach of Jainism—from canonical scholarship and iconography to cross-cultural translations and philosophical dialogue. They underscore the religion’s relevance not only in historical inquiry but also in contemporary philosophical and comparative religious studies.