Jain Texts

Dating from the seventh to fifth century BC, Jainism is one of the three (along with Hinduism and Buddhism) most ancient Indian religious traditions still in existence today, forming an integral part of South Asian belief. It teaches a path toward spiritual purity and enlightenment through disciplined non-violence (ahimsa) to all living creatures. The oldest and most revered Jain text, ‘The Akaranga’ contains some of the world’s earliest ecological philosophy, meticulously describing how all living entities — including animals, plants and microscopic elements of earth, water, fire and air — possess a soul and feel pain. Over the centuries, the sacred Jain texts have established an ascetic rigour and deep reverence for life that continues to define the religion’s theology, morality and daily practice. Delphi’s Eastern Treasures Series provides eReaders with rare and precious texts of Asian literature, featuring prominent works of history, religion and philosophy, complemented with the original texts. This eBook presents four major canonical works of Jainism, with illustrations, introductions and the usual Delphi bonus material. (Version 1)