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Viyahapannatti (Bhagavai): The fifth Anga of the Jaina Canon

The Viyahapannatti (Vyakhyaprajnapati) or Bhagavai (Bhagavati) is the fifth Anga of the Jaina Svetambara Canon. It is as the title says a Proclamation of Explanations’ viz. of explanations given as a rule by Mahavira the founder of Jainism, in answer to questions raised by his disciples in most cases Goyama Indabhui. Experts have described this monumental work as an omnium gatherum, a tohu bohu etc.: its questions and answers, as a matter of fact, deal with a bewildering variety of topics, embracing all the important domains of the Jaina doctrine; moreover its teachings are presented in many different forms.

The Clever Adulteress: A Treasury of Jaina Literature

The stories in this Clever Adulteress collection span almost one thousand years of

story-telling in India. Most originate in North India and all were written

by Jain monks for the edification and amusement of the faithful. The

treasures of India’s heritage of story-telling are known to us today mainly

from these Jain stories which have been carefully preserved through the

years. The Stories in The Clever Adulteress have been translated by a

renowned group of scholars from India, North America and Europe. Each

translator has chosen his or her favorites from the vast treasures of Jain

literature.

About the Author(s)

PHYLLIS GRANOFF teaches Sanskrit and Indian Religions at McMaster

University in Himilton, Ontario. She has written extensively on Jain

literature, particularly Jain religious biographies. She has also

translated a collection of short stories by Bibhutibhushan Bandhopadhyaya

from Bengali to English. She currently edits the Journal of Indian

Philosophy and continues to work on traditional and modern Indian

literature.

Nonviolence As a Way of Life: History, Theory and Practice, Volume I-II

This book is intended for those who are struggling to understand and confront the epidemic of violence in our world but are not familiar with the nonviolent alternatives. Among those alternatives is the tradition of ahimsa, which has been advocated and practiced by the Jains for the last twenty-five centuries. Inspired by the Jains, this collection of essays speaks with many voices personal reflections, scholarly studies, religious insights ñ to provide examples, guidance, and encouragement to those trying to cope with the violence that has become so prevalent. The essays should speak to a broad audience, but most especially to young people (late teens to early twenties), who are surrounded by violence practically from their birth and in virtually all aspects of their life: home, school, community, work, and media. The book will help them see: 1. What is involved in a nonviolent approach to the world, and how to apply it in various aspects of their daily lives. 2. That there are many of us out there ñ of different genders, race, professions, social classes, and religious affiliations, on every continent ñ who take nonviolence very seriously and try to live in accordance with its principles and values. 3. That there are many groups, institutions, and organisations that practice nonviolence and who can offer guidance, counsel, and help. The central aims of this book are to let those dealing with or surrounded by violence know that there is another way, and to encourage them to try to live in accordance with that way ñ the way of nonviolence.