Language
A note on language:
Early works in Jainism were primarily written in Prakrit (dead vernacular languages of ancient and medieval India) as opposed to classical Sanskrit (used primarily by aristocracy and priests)
When looking for resources in Jain Studies searching the title of the work in Prakrit or, for later works, Sanskrit is especially useful.
Below are some useful resources for the study of Prakrit
- A comprehensive and critical dictionary of the Prakrit languages, with special reference to Jain literature byCall Number: Q. PK1225 .C66Publication Date: 1993<2013>Two volume set
the "canon"
The question of "sacred texts" and "canon" is always a complex one in religious studies and Jainism proves no different. It is beyond the scope of this guide to provide a complete list of Jain canonical literature--especially as the "canon" differs substantially between the Svetambara and Digambara sects (the two main sects of Jainism). However, listed are useful resources for locating the different "canons".
A history of the canonical literature of the Jains by Call Number: 294.4 K14hPublication Date: 2000An excellent history of canonical literature--a good place to start if you're wondering what the "canon" means in Jainism
That Which Is by ISBN: 0060689854Publication Date: 1994-06-01That Which Is, known as the Tattvartha Sutra to Jains, is recognized by all four Jaina traditions as the earliest, most authoritative and comprehensive summary of their religion. Unique in bringing together classical commentaries from each tradition, this translation of the Tattvartha Sutra provides in one volume a detailed explanation of the universe, the place of humanity within it and the path through it to liberation.
As the only text recognized by all sects of Jainism a canonical it is a very good place to start when researching Jainism.
Also has a very clear over view of Jainism in the introduction.- Bibliography of Jaina Literature : Jaina Canons and its Commentaries, Non-canonical Original Texts and its Commentaries by Call Number: BL1317 .A5 2016 v.1ISBN: 9789383634231Publication Date: 2016Volume 1. Thorough bibliography of Jain related publications including Jaina Canons and its Commentaries, Non-canonical Original Texts and its Commentaries
Other Resources
- Routledge Advances in Jaina Studies SeriesSeries of books around Jaina stuides--most of which are held by the Library
Studies in Jaina History and Culture by ISBN: 0415360994Publication Date: 2006-05-25Studies in Jaina History and Culture breaks new ground by investigating the doctrinal differences and debates amongst the Jains rather than presenting Jainism as a seamless whole whose doctrinal core has remained virtually unchanged throughout its long history. The focus of the book is the discourse concerning orthodoxy and heresy in the Jaina tradition, the question of omniscience and Jaina logic, role models for women and female identity, Jaina schools and sects, religious property, law and ethics. The internal diversity of the Jaina tradition and Jain techniques of living with diversity are explored from an interdisciplinary point of view by fifteen leading scholars in Jaina studies.
