Jainism Books and Resources

[Metempsychosis]

Introduction to Jainism:

Jainism is a Dharmic religion different from Hinduism and Buddhism.Jainism and Buddhism are a part of Shramanic religion.Jainism regards every living soul as potentially divine. When the soul sheds its karmic bonds completely, it attains divine consciousness.

Jainism_a_Glimpse
Jain Philosophy
Jain-Fundamentals

Power Point on basics of Jainism
Jain Presentation

Comparitive Study of Jainism and Buddhism
Comparative_Study_of_Jainism_and_Buddhism

Jain Agamas:

Agamas are canonical texts of Jainism based on Mahavira’s teachings. Mahavira’s preaching were orally compiled by his disciples into various Sutras (texts) which were collectively called Jain canonical or Agamic literature. Traditionally these sutras were orally passed on from teachers (acaryas or gurus) to the disciples for several centuries. The scholars date the composition of Jain agamas at around 6th to 3rd century BCE.
Twelve Angās
Ācāranga sūtra
Sūtrakrtanga
Sthānānga
Samavāyānga
Vyākhyāprajñapti or Bhagavati sūtra
Jnātrdhārmakathāh
Upāsakadaśāh
Antakrddaaśāh
Anuttaraupapātikadaśāh
Praśnavyākaranani
Vipākaśruta
Drstivāda (now extinct)

Scriptures of Jainism:

1.Tattvartha Sutra

The name Tattvartha Sutra consists of three Sanskrit words: Tattva (true nature), artha (things or realities) and sutra (aphorisms of few words). It may, therefore, be called "Aphoristic Text on the true nature of realities" This indicates the contents of the text.

The author of this text is Umasvati or Umasvami. His biography is not properly available. However, he composed his text at Patna in Bihar, eastern India. Umasvami and his text are respected by all the sects of Jains. It is taken as a sacred act to recite the textual aphorisms in private and temple worships. It is read during festival days along with many other texts like Kalpa Sutra etc. It is so short that it could be easily memorized.

Tattvartha-Sutra is not a part of the primary sacred scriptures of the Jains. But it is regarded by them as the most authoritative book on Jainism. It could be compared with the Bible (Christians), Quran (muslims) Gita (hindus) or Avesta (zoroastrians). It has been a highly popular text. That is why it has the largest number of commentaries in different Indian languages from fifth century onward up to current age.

This text has two versions containing 344-357 aphorisms. The text contents are related with the major theoretical and practical aspects of Jain system. It is a small text but it describes Jainism excellently. It represents an epitome of Jainism. This book has ten chapters of uneven length containing the above number of aphorisms. The subject content is not new. However, it has brought together all the earlier scattered material for the first time in a structured system. It consists of all the necessary fundamentals of Jainism. It describes about the realities in the world and their true nature. Its contents are as appropriate as its name.

Jain World -- Tattvartha sutra
Tattvartha_sutra_
Study_of_Tattvarthasutra_with_Bhasya

 

[Metempsychosis]

2.The Acaranga Sutra (or Acharanga)

Acaranga Sutra is the first of the eleven Angas, part of the agamas (religious texts)which were compiled based on the teachings of Lord Mahavira.

The Acaranga Sutra discusses the conduct of a Jain monk. In antiquity, Acaranga was the first text that was studied by the Jain monks.

The Acaranga Sutra is the oldest agam, from a linguistic point of view, written in Ardhamagadhi Prakrit. The Acaranga Sutra contains two books, or Srutaskandhas. The first book is the older part, to which other treatises were later added. It describes the conduct and behavior of ascetic life: the mode of begging for food, bowl, clothes, conduct while walking and speaking and regulation of possessions by ascetics. It also describes the penance of Mahavira, the Great Hero.

The second book is divided into four sections called Kulas. There were originally five Kûlâs, but the fifth, the Nisîhiyagghana, is now reckoned as a separate work. The first and second parts lay down rules for conduct of ascetics.

That which you consider worth destroying is (like) yourself.
That which you consider worth disciplining is (like) yourself.
That which you consider worth subjugating is (like) yourself.
That which you consider worth killing is (like) yourself.
The result of actions by you has to be borne by you, so do not destroy anything.

Holy Akaranga Sutra

3.Bhagavati sūtra

Vyākhyāprajñapti commonly known as Bhagavati sūtra is the fifth of the 12 Jain āgamas said to be promulgated by Māhavīra himself. Vyākhyāprajñapti translated as "Exposition of Explanations" is said to have been composed by ganadhara Sudharmasvami as per the Śvetámbara tradition. It is the largest text of the canon said to contain 60000 questions answered by Mahavira. The subject matter of the answers ranges from the Jain Doctrine to rules of ascetic behaviour.

Bhagwati_sutra

4.Saman Suttam

Saman Suttam is the religious text created in 1974 by a committee consisting of representatives of each of the major sects of Jainism to reconcile the teachings of the sects. After a gap of about nearly two thousand years following composition of Tattvartha Sutra by Acharya Umasvati this was the first text to be recognized by all Jain sects. At Umaswati's time, although multiple orders existed, there was no clear sectarian division. By the 20th century however, Jainism had gradually been divided into several sects. For someone to compile a text at this time, and for it to be approved by all sects, was an exceptional event.

The text includes 44 chapters with topics such as Mangal Sutra (on auspiciousness), Atma Sutra (on the soul), Moksha Marga Sutra (on the path to liberation) etc.

Samansuttam

5.Sutrakritanga Sutra

Sutrakritanga Sutra is the second agama of the 12 main angās of the Jain canons. According to the Svetambara tradition it was written by Gandhara Sudharmasvami in Ardhamagadhi Prakrit. It is written using techniques including narration and questions and answers, and the chapters start with Sudharmasvami explaining the various doctrines to his chief disciple Jambusvami and answering his questions.

This agama describes nonviolence, Jain metaphysics, and the refutation of other religious theories such as Kriyavada, Akriyavada, Ajnanavada, and Vinayavada. Sanskrit commentary ihas been done by Silanka lived in the second half of the ninth century A.D. The agama is divided into two parts consisting of 16 lectures and 7 lectures respectively. Following are the diverse topics covered:


Jain doctrine – Causes of bondage, description of hells, destruction of karmas etc.
Conduct of Monks – Injunctions and prohibitions, difficulties faced, avoiding temptation of women etc.
Heretical Doctrines and errors – Materialists, Buddhists, vedics, Fatalists and other wrong beliefs

Jainism - Jaina Sutras, Part I

6.Uttaradhyayana Sutra

The 'Uttaradhyayana Sutra' is one of the most important sacred books of the Shvetambar Jains, who venerate its antiquity and authority. From the style of its illustrations this manuscript copy is dated to the early 16th century. The main text is written in Ardhamagadhi Prakrit script accompanied by a Sanskrit commentary in smaller 'nagari' characters. The 'Uttaradhyayana Sutra', one of the four 'Mulasutras' of the Jain canon, is a work in 36 chapters, each a sermon on aspects of Jain doctrine and discipline. It is believed by orthodox Jains to contain the actual words of Mahavira, the founder of Jainism. The text is interspersed with lively narratives from folk literature, to keep the reader's attention, and it is by these stories that the 37 miniatures are inspired.

Jainism - Jaina Sutras, Part II


Major Works on Jain Philosophy



1.Samayasāra (The Nature of the Self)

Samayasāra is a famous Jain text by Acharya Kundakunda.He occupies the highest place in the tradition of the Jain acharyas.Its ten chapters discuss the nature of jiva (atman, pure self), its attachment to karmas and moksha.It has a number of commentaries on it including Atmakhyati of Amritchandra and Natak Samayasar of Banarasidas.


Personally,I regard this and Niyamsara as the most important books on Jain Philosophy.


SAMAYASAR
SamayasaraOnline

2.Niyamsara (The perfect law)

It expounds the path of liberation.Niyamasara deals with the three ethico-spiritual standpoints of understanding ultimate Reality –the Nishcaya naya, the Vyavahara naya and the Shuddha Naya.

Niyamasara effectively removes doubts related to Parayayarthika naya and Dravyarthika nayas and elaborates on Vyavahara caritra. He stresses that Vyavahara caritra is based on samyama (self-restraint) and hence rooted in appropriate psychic disposition. He places great stress on cleansing the soul of vibhavas, internal impurities,through self-discipline.

A unique feature of the Niyamasara is that Kundakunda characterises both Nichcaya caritra and Vyavahara caritra as tapa, or practice of austerity from their respective nayas. This characterization is based on psychological and pragmatic considerations and if put in practice properly it would lead to internal and external purity and annihilation of the four passions. Kundakunda concludes that Vyavahara caritra and Nishcaya caritra together constitute Samyak caritra. Another unique feature of this text is its description of parama samadhi, not found elsewhere in Jain literature.

Niyamsara
NiyamsaraOnline

 

[Metempsychosis]

3.Pravachansara

He, who does not abandon the notion of "mine"
over the body and possessions,
that `I am this and this is mine',
gives up the sramanya (the status of a saint)
and goes astray.
`I do not belong to others,
nor do others belong to me;
I am mere knowledge';
he, who meditates thus in concentration,
comes to meditate on his (pure) self.

Read more on it here:
Pravachansara
PravachansaraOnline


4.Ashta Pahuda

Have subdued the evil passions
and are free from the paraphernalia
for (indulging in) sin
are on the way to emancipation.
"In the upper, the lower, and the middle world
no one is mine, I am all alone."
Through such mental attitude
the yogis attain everlasting bliss.
Devotees of God and the preceptor,
bearing in mind the traditions of non-attachment,
absorbed in meditation with rectitude of conduct.
such people are on the way to emancipation.

Read more on it here:
Jainism - Ashta PahudaOnline
Ashta Pahuda


5.Chha Dhala

The Chha-Dhala is a metrical composition. These devotional poems contain a condensed essence of Jaina philosophy. This has six cantos, each of which has been composed in a different metre. Hence the name Chhah-Dhala-6 metred poem.

Chha Dhala
Chha DhalaOnline


6.Purushartha - Siddhyapaya

One should always have firm belief in Jiva, Ajiva, and the other principles, as they are, free from perverse notions. It is the nature of the Self.
One should never entertain any doubt as to whether all these many-sided views of things proceeding from the omniscient, are true or untrue.
The true believer should not desire worldly greatness in this life or the position of a Chakravarti or Narayana in the life hereinafter; nor should he cling to other faiths, disfigured by the adoption of one-sided theories.

Read more on it here:
Purushartha - Siddhyapaya
Purushartha - SiddhyapayaOnline


7.Dravyasamgraha

Dravyasamgraha (Compendium of substances) is a 10th century Jain text in Jain Sauraseni Prakrit by Acarya Nemicandra belonging to the Jain Digambara tradition. It is composition of 58 gatha's (verses) giving an exposition of the six dravyas (substances) that characterize the Jain view of the world: sentient (jīva), non sentient (pudgala), principle of motion (dharma), of rest (adharma), space (ākāśa) and time (kāla).[1] It is one of the most important Jain works and has gained widespread popularity. Dravyasaṃgraha has played an important role in Jain education and is often memorized because of its comprehensiveness as well as brevity.According to Nalini Balbir, the Dravyasaṃgraha is largely a work of definitions of concepts with mnemonic perspective. In its 58 verses, the author makes skilful use of āryā metre.[3] Nemicandra’s presentation is often articulated around the opposition between the conventional and the absolute points of view (vyavahāra and niścaya-naya), or around the contrast between the material and the spiritual angles (dravya and bhāva). Sarat Chandra Ghoshal, the translator of Dravyasaṃgraha divides the entire text in three convenient parts—the first part deals with six dravyas (verses 1–27), the second with seven tattvas (verses 28–39) and the third part describes the way to attain liberation (verses 40–57).

Dravya Samgraha
Dravya SamgrahaOnline
Dravyasamgraha - Wikipedia


8.Karma in Jainism

In Jain philosophy, karma not only encompasses the causality of transmigration, but is also conceived of as an extremely subtle matter, which infiltrates the soul—obscuring its natural, transparent and pure qualities. Karma is thought of as a kind of pollution, that taints the soul with various colours (leśy&#257. Based on its karma, a soul undergoes transmigration and reincarnates in various states of existence—like heavens or hells, or as humans or animals.
Jainism speaks of karmic "dirt", as karma is thought to be manifest as very subtle and microscopically imperceptible particles pervading the entire universe.[4] They are so small that one space-point—the smallest possible extent of space—contains an infinite number of karmic particles (or quantity of karmic dirt). It is these karmic particles that adhere to the soul and affect its natural potency.

Karma in Jainism - Wikipedia
Karma_Philosophy
Concept_of_Pratikramana


9.Anekāntavāda(The Doctrine of Non-Exclusivity)

Anekāntavāda is one of the most important and fundamental doctrines of Jainism. It refers to the principles of pluralism and multiplicity of viewpoints, the notion that truth and reality are perceived differently from diverse points of view, and that no single point of view is the complete truth.Anekāntavāda encourages its adherents to consider the views and beliefs of their rivals and opposing parties. Proponents of anekāntavāda apply this principle to religion and philosophy, reminding themselves that any religion or philosophy—even Jainism—which clings too dogmatically to its own tenets, is committing an error based on its limited point of view.

Anekantavada - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Central_Philosophy_of_Jainism

10.Prasamarati Prakarana

The main object of this work is to make one’s mind firm on the path of non-attachment to reach an absolutely unperturbed state of the Self.

Prasamarati Prakarana
Prasamarati PrakaranaOnline


11.Maha Pacchakkhan Painniyam and Atmayoga Sutra

Maha_pacchakkhan_Painniyam
Atmayoga_sutra

Sources:
Atmadharma
Welcome to Jainworld
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
JAIN eLibrary

Jai Jinendra!!!!

 

[Last Donut]

thanks for all the links and info!

 

[akiratoriyama]

Nice info

 

[Stella Polaris]

I hope you don't mind me posting links I've gathered in my research.
(Sorry for any repeats of previous links)

Jain eLibary -- by far the best site for hard to find books on Jainism. There are many not available for purchase elsewhere. You have to make an account, but it's free and worth it! Great site!
eJainism - has info on beliefs, philosophy, symbols, etc
Jain Dharm -- lots of info
JAINISM - info about beliefs
Info about puja, beliefs, etc
Jain University -- a lot of info, FAQs and stuff
Jainism Simplified
Overview
Jainism: The Way of Non-Violence
The Philosophy of Jainism or Jain Dharma - many articles on beliefs
Young Jains of America - some resources
Jainism - summary of the faith
A few quotes from Jain texts
Jain Literature Center
HereNow4You - has texts and other misc stuff
Jainism - The gentle conquerors
Art of the 24 Tirthankaras - interactive
Jainism
Eastern religions: Jainism
Online, interactive puja
BBC Religions- Jainism
Jainsamaj -- tons of links on sacred text, history, beliefs, etc
PDF downloads for various Jain texts and articles
Jain Sutras


Offered by Google Library (full view):
Jainism: Short Essays on Jain Philosophy
A Treatise On Jainism
The Heart of Jainism

Books about Jainism:
Jainism: an Indian religion of salvation By Helmuth von Glasenapp, Shridhar B. Shrotri
The doctrine of the Jainas: described after the old sources By Walther Schubring
The Jains By Paul Dundas
Jainism: An Introduction (Introduction to Religion) by Jeffery D. Long
Jains in the World: Religious Values and Ideology in India by John E. Cort
Etc.

 

[illykitty]

Thank you, very useful thread! I'm interested in Jainism at the moment and want to find out as much as I can in the next weeks. There's no lack of material here. Thanks again!