I want to know more about Jainism?

So I have been looking for a religion that really suits me, and Jainism is pretty much everything and more that I was looking for. I just don't know where to get started. Is there a book like the bible for Jainism? Or anything of that sort? Any books that you suggest for me to read that are for Jainism?

Jainism is an ancient Indian religion that lays a strict emphasis on non-violence (Ahimsa), Vegetarianism, Compassion, renunciation, self control and non-attachment as a means of attaining salvation. The distinguishing features of Jain philosophy are its belief on independent existence of soul and matter, denial of a creative and omnipotent God, potency of karma's, an eternal and uncreated universe, a strong emphasis on non-violence, accent on relativity and multiple facets of truth, and morality and ethics based on liberation of soul. Jain philosophy attempts to explain the rationale of being and existence, the nature of the Universe and its constituents, the nature of bondage and the means to achieve liberation.

Origins ? It is said to have been established by lineage of 24 teachers or Tirthankaras simulating with Parsva (23rd Tirthankara, 9Th Century BCE) and Mahavira (24Th and last Tirthankara, 6Th Century BCE). These Tirthankaras freed themselves from bondage of karmas, preached Jainism and attained liberation and thus achieved goodhood. These teachers belonged to the ancient Sramanas, which is an ancient pre-vedic and pre-aryan tradition.

The current Jain canons and texts are based on teachings of Mahavira. The teachings are based on the various natural laws and principles. One of the commonly accepted book of Jains is Tattvarthasutra ? Exposition of the nature of reality. Amongst other things, it discusses the nature of matter, atoms, principles of motion and rest, the nature of time and space as a reality. It also discusses the consciousness, nature of knowledge, the law of karma and ways and means of attaining liberation. This book is similar of bible for Jains.

Suggested Reading:
Websites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainism

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jain_philosophy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tattvarthasutra

Books:
Jain Path of Purification by Padmanabh Jaini
The Jains by Paul Dundas

You can order books from: Hindi Granth Karyalaya who deal exclusively on Books pertaining to Jainology and Indology.

HINDI GRANTH KARYALAY
9 Hirabaug
C P Tank
Mumbai
400 004
Website: http://www.hindibooks.8m.com/

I trust this will help you in understanding Jainism

Hi,

Jainism is less religion, but more a way of life. It guides one on how to live their life happily, successfully and more on how should they behave with themselves, and with others, and makes one understand what's the purpose of the their life and how they should spend their life.

The best way I would suggest is to read a book, which gives you simple introduction on this religion, and then based on your basic understanding of this religion, you start building a more practical knowledge.

Book I would suggest:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0962367478/omsakthimovement/

Jainism's main scriptures are Agams (pronounced as Aagams), they contain knowledge about every subject in this universe, and they are further divided into different parts known as Purva 's.

To know more about please follow these links -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purva and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agam_Sutras

Other websites that might help you with reading and understanding Jainism are

http://www.jainworld.com/education/index.asp and
http://www.jaina.org/educationcommittee/education_material/C01_Jainism%20Basics/ and
http://www.jaina.org/educationcommittee/education_material/

If you want to discuss anything, email me on abhi_madhani@yahoo.com

CONGRATULATIONS !

You reached on a right conclusion.

Visit- WNW.jainworld.com
You will find many scholars & books .
One must start systematically, from primary to higher label.
Start from learning terminology first to be able to understand what scholars are letting .
You can get few primary books from ?

Todarmal Samara Havana
a-4, banger, Jaipur-302015 (India)

or contact Nanjing shah, Chicago for these books
his id is- shenanigan@hotmail.com>