Riches and Renunciation: Religion, Economy, and Society among the Jains

by James A. Laidlaw

Overview

The Jains of India are a flourishing and prosperous community, but their religion is focused on the teaching and example of ascetic renouncers, whose austere regime is actually dedicated to ending worldly life and often culminates in a fast to death. This book, which draws upon a detailed study of Jainism in the city of Jaipur, shows how renunciation and ascetism play a central part in the life of a thriving business community, and how world-renunciation combines for Jain families with the pursuit of worldly happiness.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780198280422
Publisher:	Oxford University Press, USA
Publication date:	02/22/1996
Series:	Oxford Studies in Social and Cultural Anthropology Series
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	446
Product dimensions:	8.56(w) x 5.56(h) x 1.03(d)
Lexile:	1450L (what's this?)

About the Author

King's College, Cambridge

Editorial Reviews

"...a must for anyone seriously interested in Indian religions, the urban middle-class, or social ethics."—Religious Studies Review

From the Publisher