Ratnakarandaka Shravakacara

Shravakachara or the ideal conduct of layperson is considered a marked feature of Jain literature over the centuries. The Ratnakarandaka Shravakachara, ‘Manual for the behaviour of laymen which is a jewel casket’ by the southern Jain monk Samantabhadra is considered the earliest Digambara shravakachara. In 150 verses, the author presents an outline of the ideal Jain lay conduct relating o the three jewels of right view, right knowledge and right practice; the twelve lay vows; fasting unto death and the eleven stages of lay religious path. This volume presents the re-editing and translation of the text by Prof. Willem Bollee who includes translations of 21 edifying tales that exemplify the practices mentioned in the text. The tales have been taken from the Sanskrit commentary by Prabhachandra (eleventh century).