Parshvanath Vidyapith Swarna Jayanti Granth

The book "Parshvanath Vidyapith Swarna Jayanti Granth" (Aspects of Jainology, Vol. IV) is a compilation of research papers presented at the first conference of the Prakrit and Jain Studies Council, held on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of the Parshvanath Vidyashrama Research Institute in Varanasi. Published in 1994 by Parshwanath Shodhpith, Varanasi, it includes papers in both Hindi and English, reflecting the diverse scholarship in the field.

The volume is dedicated to the memory of the founder of the Parshvanath Vidyashram Research Institute, Late Shri Harjasrai Ji Jain. The institute, established in 1937 near Banaras Hindu University, is recognized as the first and prestigious center for advanced studies and research in Jainology in India. It has been instrumental in fostering research in Jain dharma, philosophy, literature, history, and culture. Over 50 students have earned PhDs from the institute, with around 20 currently pursuing doctoral research. The institute also offers a one-year postgraduate diploma in Jainology.

The institute boasts a comprehensive library with over 25,000 books and modern equipment like photocopiers and computers. It has also published over 100 high-level research works on Jainology and regularly publishes the quarterly journal 'Shraman'. The institute is also awaiting government orders to be recognized as a university.

The "Golden Jubilee Seminar Volume" includes scholarly articles from prominent Jainologists, covering a wide spectrum of Jain studies. The table of contents reveals papers on:

Hindi Section:

• Critical review and linguistic analysis of texts from Acārāṅga (First Śruta-skandha).
• Linguistic analysis of studies in Isi Bhāṣiyāi.
• Review of Āgama texts cited in Nayachakra.
• Absence of the original 'Y' sound in Māhārāṣṭrī Prākṛt.
• Narada in Jaināgamas and Āgamic interpretations.
• The Amṛtāśīti by Joindu.
• Jain conduct as expounded in the Śatapadī Praśnottara methodology.
• Certain errors in the Hindi translation of Paumacariyaṁ.
• Prākṛt Malayā Sundarī Caritaṁ by poet Harirāj.
• Comparison of Anuuyogadvāra Sūtra and Vedic interpretation methods.
• Hetu-lakṣaṇa in Jain philosophy.
• Contemplation on the concept of God in Jainism.
• Logical analysis of Cittādvaita from a Jain perspective.
• Mind in Jain philosophy.
• Personality transformation through Leshyā.
• Ācārya Kundakunda's self-vision: A contemplation.
• Gita, its Śāṅkara Bhāṣya and Jain philosophy.
• SynthesSistic style of Jain and Kantian philosophies.
• Jainism and non-violence in Islam: A comparative perspective.
• Qualities of a Guru in Jain education philosophy.
• Tapas.
• Philosophical views of Nāyakumara Charitra.
• The eligible person for Yoga: In reference to Haribhadriya Yoga.
• Evaluation of the 24th chapter of Ākhyānakamaṇikośa.
• Non-violence in Jain and non-Jain philosophies.
• Samādhimaraṇa: Not an escape from life.
• Dietary science in Jain scriptures.
• Śramaṇa: A pillar of Mahāvīra Tīrtha.
• Agriculture in Jain Puranic India.
• Re-examination of the biography of Vādirāja Sūri.
• Contribution of Bhaṭṭārakas to literary upliftment.
• Banarasi Das: The poet and life values.
• Comparative discussion of Jambūdvīpa and modern geographical concepts.
• Jain scholars in Ayurvedic literature (from beginning to 20th century).
• Jainism in the historical significance of early inscriptions.
• Jain Heritage at Ellora.

English Section:

• A Critical Review of the Old Āryā Metre Restored in the Text of Itthiparinna re-edited by Dr. L. Alsdorf.
• Positive Contents of Jainism.
• Concept of Liberation and Its Pre-requisites (According to Pañcasūtrakaṁ of Cirantanācārya).
• The Idea of Impermanence.
• Jaina Asceticism: An Appraisal.
• Some Remarks on the Analysis of the Sensuous Cognition ( Mati-jñāna ) Process.
• Colour: An Innate Property of the Matter.
• Dhruvarāśi Takanika in Jaina Canons.
• Ancient India and South-east Asia as known from Jaina Sources.
• Historical Significance of Early Jaina Kadamba Inscriptions.
• Wall Paintings as Depicted in the Patodi Jaina Temple, Jaipur.
• Caitya Paripāṭī and Ahmedabad of Early Seventeenth Century.

The "Prakrit and Jain Studies Council" and its first conference, held during the Golden Jubilee celebrations, aimed to foster and enrich the study of Prākṛt and Jain Vidya, bringing together numerous eminent scholars who contributed to the expansion of Jain knowledge. The editors, Prof. Sagarmal Jain and Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh, along with Dr. Shriprakash Pandey, are acknowledged for their efforts in editing, proofreading, and managing the publication. The volume serves as a significant contribution to the field of Jainology, commemorating a milestone for the Parshvanath Shodhpith and highlighting the ongoing academic exploration of Jain traditions.