Jainism: An Introduction (I.B.Tauris Introductions to Religion)

Professor Long's book, Jainism: An Introduction, is a thoroughly researched overview of the Jain tradition, a religion and set of philosophical constructs that have influenced Indian thought for over 2500 years. This succinct, completely engaging overview of Jainism, the historical contexts of Jain intellectual thought, and the relationship of Jainism and Jain philosophers within the greater context of Hinduism, brahminical/Vedic thought, Buddhism, and Indic philosophical movements is indeed quite relevant to understanding and appreciating the Jain communities in India and in the West.This highly-readable monograph is intended as a an introduction to the Jain tradition; and it is aimed at a college-level audience, but it is also a book with considerable relevance to any person interested in philosophy, religion, history, India, or the evolution of intellectual movements. I highly recommend this book for every reader--it is accessible, engaging, and provocative. One of the aims of the book is to put core Jain (and for that matter, Buddhist and Hindu) beliefs and assumptions about the nature and meaning of existence into an intellectual context, both historical, and applicable to modern-day societies. With an exceptionally clear explanation of core Jain beliefs including non-violence, non-absolutism (or perhaps more easily understood as religious pluralism), detachment from materialism, and the karmic cycle, the author has indeed put the evolution of Jain thought into an appropriate historical context vis-à-vis Buddhism and Hinduism.Jainism: An Introduction provides the historical context of the Jain founders, Mahavira, and other philosophers; and, how their intellectual thought challenged historical, philosophical movements within Buddhism and Hinduism. Additionally, the book provides a survey of current literature and academic thought concerning the importance of Jain thought within its historical, philosophical, and religious context. I found the examination of current academic thought quite well presented. The examination of Jainism (like Buddhism) as a reaction (in the literal sense) in many regards to brahminical religious structures and thought is quite interesting. The analyses of academic views concerning Jainism and Buddhism as part of the Greater Magadha culture, recent archaeological evidence, and new postulations on the influence of north Indian philosophers provide a greater understanding of core Jain beliefs, and the subsequent influence of the Jain community in India. This book argues for the relevance of Jain thought as a potential solution to many modern crises of religious intolerance, violence, consumerism, materialism, and ecological disasters that the human community continually faces. Interestingly enough, there is also an overview of how Jain thought has actually influenced modern history with a brief examination of Jain influence upon Gandhi and the Indian independence movement.It is fascinating to learn that the small Jain community has influenced Indic and world religious thought in a variety of ways, and the book provides a thorough overview of the internal logic and consistency of Jain thought over 2500 years. Professor Long presents both the historical context of Jainism, and its relevance to modern society--particularly Jain views on non-violence, religious tolerance, renouncing materialism, ecological sustainability, and vegetarianism. Jainism indeed has a great deal to teach western societies about environmental sustainability and social justice, and may provide a solution for sustainable populations living in balance with nature.I highly recommend this book to students and to anyone interested in the subject. And, if you happen to believe that Jain thought is just too exotic to read about, think again, for the Jain tradition has a great deal to teach western societies. Perhaps, if more people adopted some of the core beliefs of Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism, we might just find ourselves living in a better world. One should fully understand the historical context and evolution of Jain thought, but perhaps more importantly, one should appreciate the relevance of Jainism in order to solve some of the difficulties modern societies confront.And...don't forget to read the footnotes and historical chronology!Do yourself a favor and get this book, and Long's outstanding first book-- A Vision for Hinduism: Beyond Hindu Nationalism --about the nature of modern Hindu identity, nationalism, and the relevance of Hindu thought for all contemporary societies.Note: Jan, 2012--Be sure to check out Professor Long's new book in the Scarecrow Press reference series. Professor Long's exceptional reference work on everything Hindu is entitled  Historical Dictionary of Hinduism (Historical Dictionaries of Religions, Philosophies, and Movements Series)  (published Sept. 2011). This is essential for any library collection and I highly recommend it for anyone interested in Hindu at large.

Although, at first dwelling into Vedic traditions and Hinduism irritated me as I wanted Jeff to talk about Jainism - I later realized how important it was to bring an integrated view and build the setting in which Jainism (or at least as we know it now) from 5/6th Century would come up. Great starter - will only increase your thirst for more...

This is a great introduction to Jainism, and describes the essentials of Jain practice and philosophy. It does a great job of including adequate background of the Jain historical (and current) religious milieu, comparing/contrasting Jain though with other Indic traditions that arose around the same time (Buddhism) or preceded the rise of Jainism (Vedic religion, Hinduism). This context lends this relatively brief book a real sense of depth to the discussion, and made me come away wanting exposure to similar information about these other traditions. Highly recommended.

Interesting read.

Within weeks of finishing this book for the first time, I read it again from introduction to ending for a second time. I think that in and of itself can speak for this book.It seems to me that this book lived up to its intentions extremely well. It presents Jainism, a topic likely quite foreign to readers, in an "accessible and user-friendly" way--to use the author's words. Technical writing and 'jargon' are used when necessary to do the topic justice, but don't make the reader feel labored--only instructed. Indeed, the author's personal and conversational style makes the book highly enjoyable to read; I have no doubt that this comes from his teaching experience. The width and depth of content leaves the reader both wanting to continue onward to learn more and also satisfied with what they have learned thus far. You feel neither overwhelmed by details nor cheated by brevity. To again use the author's words, the Middle Path was achieved.It is impossible to explain a complex subject like a religion without having to bring up multiple topics at once or raising questions in the reader's mind. However, the all-in-due-time style and structure of the book helps allay any fears the reader might have that a topic will go unexplained or a question unanswered. We are always told when things will be explained. And even should one have an unanswered question, the concluding chapter of the text is a "recommended reading" section. The reader is always in good hands.While inserting personal perspectives and opinions on some of the presented topics the tone remains objective and professional. There is absolutely no feeling of the facts being misrepresented in order to prove a point. As well, the author is forthright when doing so and always clearly states what is fact and what is personal perspective. I find this ability to properly present a topic and then engage it refreshing in an academic book.A great buy and a great read all around.

My view: a good book, but maybe not written at the introductory level in every chapter (especially chapter 5). I was able to read this with ease, but I have been studying in the field of religion for two decades, and have taught Jainism many times; I know it well. My reservation is that introductory, freshman college students might not find it too readable, as there are a lot abstract Jain terms. The author’s account is informed, sufficiently deep and academically responsible. He makes a defense of the Jain view of Anekantwad and Ahimsa, and links Gandhi’s own passionate commitment to some Jain values that informed the Mahatma’s ideas. I certainly liked this book, and learned from it, but I would say it may be better for those who either are at the upper college level, or who have already encountered Jainism at least once before. So – great book, but maybe not always readable by introductory students.

Vielen Dank!

A very accessible, but informative, introduction to a little-known but influential religious tradition. It is pitched quite well - I found it a very satisfying read as someone with good background knowledge about India and Indian religions (Hinduism and Buddhism), but I think it would also be a good starting-point for someone with very little background knowledge. It is very well-written. My only disappointment is that there are very few selections from original Jain texts (in translation), although there is a useful bibliography for further research.

Exactly what I was looking for. Being a Jain however having no idea about what I was born into or how it is linked to Buddhism and Hindu religion and traditions, this explains a lot. It does go into some detail here and there and I will be reading this again as I couldn't absorb all the text in one go (especially around the Jain philosophy). I bought for the kindle however I think it would be good to actually have the book so you can highlight and mark pages for key information.

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