This volume on the moral discipline of a householder by Amrtachandra is a masterly exposition of the means (upaya) to attain the highest objective of human endeavour (purusharthasiddhi). I.e. self-realization. It argues that the external behaviour of the conscious self (purusha) cannot be divorced from the world of his inner thoughts and feelings. The book stresses that internal aspects or the self-referential spiritual perspective of nishchaya naya (viewpoint) plays the primary role in the life of an individual, whereas the external, other-referential, ethico-social perspective of vyavahara naya performs a secondary or supporting role. The two viewpoints are complementary to one another and are essential for understanding the reality of things. This excellent treatise defines ahimsa (non-violence) as non-emergence of attachment, aversion, pride, greed, etc., thereby emphasizing internal purity which ensures both individual peace and happiness as well as social well-being. The book will be useful to scholars and students of Indian philosophy and religion, particularly Jainism.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jagdish Prasad Jain ‘Sadhak’
Jagdish Prasad Jain ‘Sadhak’ is Founder of Jain Mission and Editor of Jain Agam. He was formerly Diplomat/Advisor, Indian Mission to United nations, New York; Deputy Director, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India; and Professor, Jawaharlal Nehru University, new Delhi. With an extensive research experience of over 50 years, he is now fully devoted to the study of Jainism. He has published numerous articles in national and international journals and has lectured extensively in India and the united Stets, including Conventions of the federation of Jain Associations in North America and Jain centre of Northern California. Dr. Jain has published nearly a dozen books, including Fundaments of Jainism, which was adjudged the best book on Jain religion and philosophy in January 2004 in an all-India competition. He has also published Salvation through Self-Discipline: Niyamsara of Kundakunda, Spiritual Insights: Ishtopadesh and Samadhi Shatak by Pujyapada (editor), Spiritual Enlightenment: Paramatma Prakash by Yogindu Deva (editor), and the Enlightened Vision of the Self: Svarupa Sambodhana of Akalanka (editor.)
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