Biography & People

'भगवती आराधना' के रचनाकार आचार्य शिवकोटि

By शिवकोटि, आचार्य शिवकोटि, शिवकोटि मुनि, शिवकोटि आचार्य, शिवकोट्याचार्य, शिवार्य, शिवभूति

This PDF discusses the identity and historical context of Ācārya Śivakoṭi, a Jain monk. It begins with a verse from Ācārya Jinasena’s *Ādipurāṇa* (circa 770–850 CE) that remembers Śivakoṭi as the…

6 Facts About Jains in India

By Kelsey Jo Starr

Jainism, one of the world's oldest religions, originated in India at least 2,500 years ago. Its spiritual goal is to achieve liberation from rebirth and attain moksha, an all-knowing state, through…

Acharya Rajendrasurishvarji's Legacy: Abhidhan Rajendra Kosh

By Jitendra B. Shah

Acharya Rajendrasurishvarji, born in 1827 in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, was a pivotal figure in Jainism, renowned for his scholarly contributions and spiritual influence. His father, Sheth Rushabhdas, and…

Acharya Shree Swayamprabhsuri's Role in Spreading Non-Violent Jainism in Shrimalpur

By Ashish Jakhariya

The text discusses the origins of the Porwal (Pragwat) Shrawak Varg, a group of Jain followers, tracing their history back to Shree Swayamprabhsuri, a disciple of Shree Keshishraman, who was…

Celebrating Mahavira Jayanti: Relevance of Jainism's Timeless Values in Modern Times

This article from the April 2022 issue of *Jain Avenue* highlights the enduring relevance of Jainism and the teachings of Lord Mahavir in addressing contemporary challenges. It positions Jainism as a…

Chitrabhanu: Man of the Millennium - A Life of Ego-less Service and Spiritual Guidance

By Nirmala Hanke

The PDF content discusses the biography *Chitrabhanu: Man of the Millennium* by Dilip Shah, reviewed by Dr. Nirmala Hanke. The book chronicles the life of Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanuji, a revered Jain…

Exploring Jain Scriptures: Agam Literature and Its Historical Transmission

By Dilip V. Shah, Jitendra B. Shah

Jain scriptures, known as Agam literature, encompass diverse texts recognized across sects, emphasizing reverence for life, karma, nonviolence, and asceticism. Mahavira, after attaining…

Exploring Jain Terminology: Gandharvad's Eleven Doctrines

The text discusses the Gandharvad, a significant Jain philosophical work containing profound explorations of eleven key doctrines. These doctrines originate from questions posed by eleven Brahmin…

Gora: Atheist Reformer's Life and Legacy

By Sunanda Shet

The book *Gora - Paid Life & Work* by Dr. (Mrs.) Sunanda Shet, published in 1999, is a biographical monograph on Goparaju Ramchandra Rao, known as Gora (1902-1975), a prominent social reformer from…

Jain Perspective on Diwali: Light, Nonviolence, and Pluralism

By Nikhil Bumb

Diwali holds significant importance in Jainism as it commemorates Lord Mahavir’s attainment of moksha, or liberation from reincarnation, in 527 B.C.E. Originally termed "dipalikaya" in Jain…

Jaina Yoga: Medieval Developments and Modern Adaptations

By Sagarmal Jain, Andrea R. Jain

The article discusses the development of Jaina Yoga during the medieval period (13th to 19th centuries), highlighting its significance in the creation of Yoga literature and the influence of other…

Jainism's Environmental Wisdom: Ahimsa and Interdependence

The text discusses the principles of Jainism, particularly its emphasis on environmental harmony and non-violence. Central to Jain philosophy is the concept of *Parasparopgraho Jivandam*, which…

Jainism's Perspective on Abortion: Guidance from Ancient Teachings

The article discusses Jainism's perspective on abortion, emphasizing the sacredness of human life and the critical view toward violence against potential life. Abortion is generally considered taboo,…

King Siddharta and Astrologer Forecast Jina Mahavira's Birth

This 14th-century Jain manuscript painting from Gujarat depicts King Siddhartha consulting astrologers to interpret Queen Trisala’s dreams about their future son, Mahavira, as described by…

Life and Works of Acharya Sushil Kumarji Maharaj: A Jain Dharma Practitioner

His Holiness Acharya Sushil Kumarji Maharaj, born on June 15, 1926, in Shikopur, a small village in Haryana, India, was a self-realized spiritual master dedicated to non-violence, world peace,…

Lord Mahavir's Social Reforms and Inclusive Teachings

By Sejal Zaveri

Jain Avenue marks its third year with a focus on Lord Mahavir's teachings and social reforms. Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar, revitalized Jainism in the 6th century B.C. and opposed the caste…

Mr. Herter's Address: U.S. Leadership and Exploitation in Foreign Aid

By Prabhudas Bechardas Parekh

The text critiques the United States' role as the "chief source" of foreign capital for underdeveloped nations, arguing that its leadership is rooted in economic exploitation. It contends that U.S.…

Padma Shri Honors Acharya Shri Chandanaji: A Tribute to Jain Dharma's Living Legend

By Dilip V. Shah

Acharyashri Chandanaji, a revered figure in Jainism, was honored with the Padma Shri award on January 26, 2022, coinciding with her 86th birthday. A virtual celebration was organized via Zoom due to…

Rebuilding India: Restoring Peace, Prosperity, and Spiritual Development

By Prabhudas Bechardas Parekh

The text discusses India's historical administrative systems and cultural evolution, contrasting traditional and modern perspectives. It highlights how ancient Indian leaders established a wise…

The Mirror of the Self: The Doctrine of Leshya: A Historical Perspective

By Aastha Mehta

The article explores the doctrine of leshya, a concept originating in philosophy that has gained attention in scientific research. The aura, described as a circle of light surrounding the body, and…

The Real Birthplace of Lord Mahavir: Exploring Disputed Locations and Historical Perspectives

By Arpit Shah

The text discusses the disputed birthplace of Lord Mahavir, the last Tirthankar of Jainism, with three main locations claimed across Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The locations include Kundalpur and Jamui…

Understanding Mahavira Jayanti: Celebrating the Birth of Jainism's Spiritual Leader

By Jitendra B. Shah

Mahavira Jayanti, observed on the 13th day of the bright half of the Chaitra month (March-April), commemorates the birth of Bhagwan Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism. The festival…

Who Am I? Exploring Identity Through Paryushan and Jain Philosophy

By Nishit Shah

The text explores the concept of self-identity and ultimate truth within Jain philosophy, particularly through the lens of Paryushan celebrations. It highlights Bhagavāna Mahavira’s teachings, which…

"દેશનામમાળા": તેનું ક્ષેત્ર, સ્વરૂપ અને મહત્વ

By Ratilal N. Mehta

આ PDFમાં હેમચંદ્રાચાર્ય અને અણહિલવાડ પાટણના ઈતિહાસ અને સાંસ્કૃતિક મહત્વનું વિશ્લેષણ છે. ધંધુકામા (વિ. સં. ૧૧૪૫-૧૦૮૯) જન્મેલા હેમચંદ્રાચાર્યની દીક્ષા વિ. સં. ૧૧૫૦થી ૧૧૫૪ના દાયકામાં થઈ હતી. તેઓના…