The Lives of the Jain Elders is the standard synthesis of source material for the early history of Jainism by the great twelfth-century Jain scholar-monk, Hemacandra, also a key figure in the wider context of Sanskrit literature. An epic poem written in an allusive and ornamental style, it relates the pupillary succession of the early monastic Jain community, their teaching and the legendary spread of their influence, the ascetisicism of the Elders, and their eventual liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth. Abounding in memorable characters, and providing a rich compendium of Indian folk-tale, The Lives of the Jain Elders offers fascinating insight into the social life of medieval India. This new translation makes the complete work available for the first time in a European language and is complemented by a full introduction illuminating Jain belief and history.
- ISBN10 0192832271
- ISBN13 9780192832276
- Publish Date 7 May 1998
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 25 October 2007
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Oxford University Press
- Imprint Oxford Paperbacks
- Edition New edition
- Format Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
- Pages 322
- Language English