Illuminator Of Jaina Tenets

"Illuminator of Jaina Tenets," also known as "Jaina-Siddhānta-Dīpikā," is an English rendition of a Sanskrit work by Ācārya Śri Tulsi. The book, translated by Prof. Satkari Mookerjee and edited with an introduction and notes by Dr. Nathmal Tatia and Muni Mahendra Kumar, was published by Jain Vishva Bharati in 1985.

The text provides a comprehensive and lucid summary of Jainism's fundamental principles, making it accessible to both beginners and advanced students. It critically expounds Jaina ontology, epistemology, and ethics, highlighting their distinctiveness from other Indian philosophical traditions.

Key Features and Content:

• Scope: The book covers a wide range of Jaina doctrines, including the nature of substance, quality, and modes; the soul; bondage and liberation; the path to emancipation; and spiritual development.
• Comprehensive Analysis: It offers a detailed explanation of concepts such as the five astikāyas (dharma, adharma, ākāśa, pudgala, and jiva), time (kāla), the different types of knowledge (mati, śruta, avadhi, manaḥparyāya, kevala), the soul's states (bhāvas), the causal theory of karman, the importance of the mahāvratas (great vows), and the gunasthānas (stages of spiritual progress).
• Modern Perspective: The editors have attempted to shed new light on ancient Jaina doctrines by connecting them with modern studies. This includes relating the materialistic concept of karman to modern genetics and explaining core Jaina principles like ārambha (aggressive urge) and parigraha (possessive instinct) in the context of contemporary understanding of human behavior.
• Structure: The book is divided into ten "Lustres," each focusing on a specific aspect of Jaina philosophy.
• Translational and Editorial Excellence: Prof. Satkari Mookerjee's appreciation for Ācārya Tulsi's work led to its translation into English. The editors, Dr. Nathmal Tatia and Muni Mahendra Kumar, enhanced its value by including new notes and an introduction that provides a modern perspective on ancient Jaina doctrines, discussing topics like substance and attribute, space and time, and the materialistic concept of karman in relation to modern genetics.
• Endorsement: The book was highly appreciated by Indologists, including Prof. Satkari Mookerjee, who recognized the spiritual power and profound learning of Ācārya Tulsi.

"Illuminator of Jaina Tenets" serves as a valuable research guide, offering a correct understanding of Jainism's basic principles from a modern viewpoint, and is presented as a significant contribution to Jainological studies.