Sacred Books of the Jainas, Vol. VIII

J. L. Jaini Memorial Series Vol. IV

SAMAYASARA Sanskrit: "The Essence of the Soul" or "The Essence of the Doctrine." It is one of the most important texts in Jaina philosophy, focusing on the nature of the pure self.

SHRI KUNDA KUNDA ACHARYA,

A celebrated Digambara Jaina monk and philosopher, traditionally believed to have lived in the 2nd century CE.

WITH

TRANSLATION AND COMMENTARIES.

A full-length black and white photograph of a man, identified as J. L. Jaini, standing in a formal studio portrait. He is dressed in early 20th-century Western attire, consisting of a dark frock coat, a light-colored waistcoat, a white shirt with a stiff collar, and a dark necktie. His right hand rests on a book atop an ornate wooden table. To his left is a heavily carved wooden armchair. He has a stoic expression and short, dark hair.

J. L. JAINI.

Jagmandar Lal Jaini (1881–1927) was an influential Jaina scholar, lawyer, and judge who worked extensively to translate sacred Jaina texts into English to make them accessible to a global audience.

Samayasara The essence of the self or the ultimate truth.
Shri An honorific title meaning "venerable" or "holy."
Acharya A spiritual teacher or head of a group of monks.
Jainism An ancient Indian religion teaching a path to spiritual purity and enlightenment through non-violence and self-discipline.
Sacred Books of the Jainas A series of English translations of primary Jaina scriptures published in the early 20th century.