The A to Z of Jainism/Kristi L. Wiley. New Delhi, Vision Books, 2006, xl, 288 p., ills., ISBN 81-7094-681-6.

    Contents: Editor's foreword/Jon Woronoff. Preface. Reader's notes. The Jain scriptures. Map of major Jain sites in India. Chronology. 1. Introduction. 2. The dictionary. Appendix: 1. The fourteen Gunasthanas. 2. The eleven Pratimas. 3. The Jain festival calendar.  4. Tirthankaras' Cognizances. 5. Tirthankaras' Yaksas. 6. Tirthankaras' Yaksts. 7. Tirthankaras' birth and Nirvana sites. Bibliography.

    "The A-to-Z of Jainism is a unique quick-reference book about a religion with an unbroken history of more than 2,500 years, and one which has influenced India's culture throughout this period.

    At the core of Jainism's teaching is non-violence (ahimsa), which Mahatma Gandhi brought to world consciousness by adopting it as the guiding principle in the campaign he led for India's freedom. In Jainism, non-violence extends equally to man's relationship with all natural life, a sensitivity being articulated anew in contemporary times by a concern for the environment and animal rights, etc.

    This book covers all important touchstones of Jainism in more than 450 crisp, alphabetical entries spanning:

• The basic teachings of Jainism
• The life of Mahavira, the founder of the religion
• The main sectarian traditions of Jainism, and mendicant and lay practices
• Important Jain scriptures
• Influential Jain leaders and scholars
• Sacred and historic Jain sites
• Jain prayers and pilgrimages, beliefs, rituals and ceremonies

    A detailed introduction provides a holistic overview of Jainism; and a chronology highlights important Jain milestones. An extensive, subject-wise bibliography guides interested readers to in-depth resources on various topics."

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