Piotr Balcerowicz

Is the idea of an 'atheistic religion' a contradiction in terms? Would it be justified to call Jainism or Buddhism atheistic or non-theistic? Many Jains themselves are quite uneasy about such questions and would downright reject the phrase 'atheistic Jainism'. A related problem is whether ancient and mediaeval India knew the idea of Religion and had a corresponding term for it, for the term dharma in the sense of 'religion' is clearly a modern invention. It would, however, be a paradox that the South-Asian Subcontinent, where a number of important religions originated, would not know the idea of religion. Was that really the case? Further, is it true that all religions point to the same unfathomable reality and share the same ideal which is universal to every culture? In order to deal with these questions one should first examine the defining features of the phenomenon called 'religion'. Jainism and the Definition of Religion does precisely that. The Author briefly sketches most important previous definitions of religion and offers his own. He takes Jainism, with its unique features, as an excellent point of departure in order to take a closer look at what constitutes religious phenomena and goes beyond traditional preconceptions

Jainism and the Definition of Religion

Jerzy Malinowski

The study of South Asian Art requires not only expert knowledge of an art historian, but also sound philological proficiency and cultural competence of an Indologist. This calls for a close co-operation of specialists in both fields. The present volume of interdisciplinary character is just this: a solid exemplification of this vital principle. The volume presents a collection of stimulating and inspiring papers linked by a common theme which incorporates various aspects of art, religion, myths, parables, symbols, literature and visual culture of the region of South Asia. The researchers interests go, in certain aspects, far beyond the geographical boundaries of South Asia and reach out to South-East Asia and even to Europe and Far East, revealing close cultural linkages and influences. The collection offers an entirely new material which explores a range of important motives and themes concerned with the art and visual culture of the region of South Asia, and partially with South-East Asia. The authors examine a wide range of aspects of South Asian art, including sculpture, painting and decorative art, related to religious practice, temple consecration rituals, mythology and cult, eroticism, politics and power as well as the history and spread of artistic and mythological motives from South Asia to other parts of the world.

Art, Myths, and Visual Culture of South Asia

Ājīvikism was once ranked one of the most important religions in India between the 4th and 2nd centuries BCE, after Buddhism, ‘Brahmanism’ and before Jainism, but is now a forgotten Indian religion. However, Jainism has remained an integral part of the religious landscape of South Asia, despite the common beginnings shared with Ājīvikism. By rediscovering, reconstructing, and examining the Ājīvikism doctrine, its art, origins and development, this book provides new insight into Ājīvikism, and discusses how this information enables us to better understand its impact on Jainism and its role in the development of Indian religion and philosophy. This book explains how, why and when Jainism developed its strikingly unique logic and epistemology and what historical and doctrinal factors prompted the ideas which later led to the formulation of the doctrine of multiplexity of reality (anekānta-vāda). It also provides answers to difficult passages of Buddhist Sāmañña-phala-sutta that baffled both Buddhist commentators and modern researchers. Offering clearer perspectives on the origins of Jainism the book will be an invaluable contribution to Jaina Studies, Asian Religion and Religious History.

Ājīvikism and Jainism

Early Asceticism in India

The present collection of Essays in Jain Philosophy and Religion contains contributions of world-acclaimed scholars in jain studies. As a through and critical research work in the field of Jaina exploration of the history and background of the exchange of ideas between the Jainas and other systems of thought in India, the book will prove to be a rare document. Each of the four main sections of the present volume pertains to an important aspect within Jaina studies.

चतुररनयचक्रम्

Marek Mejor

The issues discussed in the essays pertain to various aspects of Indian culture. Analysis of the Vedic pantheon is juxtaposed with comparative approach to Indian mythology Examination of different historical and textual layers of vedic exegesis is enriched by reflection on sanskrit epics and Puranas. Insightful pursuance of various semantic development combined with Bhartrhari`s philosophy of language and complexities and are interwoven with on the one hand the question of reationality and philosophic discourse as reflected on Indian dialectical traditiona Ganeri, Shoryu katsura, Ernst Prets and the vedantic hermeneutics and with on the other the issue of individual freedom against the soteriological background.

Piotr Balcerowicz

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