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3. Little is known about the Jain faith outside India, for the small Jain community has formed a gentle stream within the strong currents of the Indian mainstream. Though it shares many of its tenets with Hinduism, and is a contemporary of Buddhism, Jainism preaches an austere lifestyle, and has a philosophy all its own. However, Jain extravagance is unleashed when its temples where the architectural excellence and the sculptures are rendered as paeans of design reflecting a rich religious panorama. Since photography at these shrines is rarely permitted, especially in the areas in and around the sanctum, this book with its wonderful pictures of Mt. Abu and Ranakpur should go a long way in enlightening the visitor about the Jain way of life. The supporting text provides a concise insight about the various strands that go into the making of Jain religious beliefs.

4. Acharya Mahapragyaji - often described as "A Living Legend" is not merely a person but also a purpose, not just a being but also a belief. He is that perception that cannot be bound by time or territory. Thought’s churned out from the depths of his meditation are lasting and effective. He dispelled many myths about the religion and its rites and rituals. He said, "The religion which does not bring about a change in man’s life, which does not impart peace to him, deserves to be thrown in the river Ganges rather than carried on as a burden on one’s shoulders. Rituals or idol worship alone are not enough unless one’s conduct also gets transformed. Unless one is righteous and honest, both to himself and others, and leads a value oriented life, he is not religious despite his proclamation". He is an erudite scholar of Jain Agamas; a reputed critic of Indian and western philosophy, a coordinator of science and spiritualism and a sincere disciple of Acharya Tulsi.

6. Jainism (pronounced /ˈdʒeɪnɪzəm/) is an ancient religion of India that prescribes a path of non-violence towards all living beings. Its philosophy and practice emphasize the necessity of self-effort to progress the soul towards divine consciousness and liberation. Any soul that has conquered its own inner enemies and achieved the state of supreme being is called Jina (Conqueror or Victor).

7. Jainism is also referred to as Shraman (self-reliant) Dharma or the religion of Nirgantha (who does not have attachments and aversions) by ancient texts. It is referred to in Tulu ಜೈನಧರ್ಮ, Hindi जैनधर्म (Jain Dharma) and in Tamil சமணம் (Samanam). Jainism, which its followers consider to have always existed,[1][2][3] is believed by historians to have arisen between the ninth and the sixth centuries BCE.[4][5][6][7][8] The earliest of the enlightened ascetic leaders of Jainism (Tirthankaras) that can be dated historically are Parshva (9th century BC) and Mahavira (6th century BC).[9] Some have speculated that the religion may have its roots in much earlier times, reflecting native spirituality from before the Indo-Aryan migration into India.[10][11][12] In the modern world, it is a small but influential religious minority with as many as 4.2 million followers in India,[13] and successful growing immigrant communities in North America, Western Europe, the Far East, Australia and elsewhere.[14] Jains successfully sustained this ancient religion to this era and have significantly influenced and contributed to ethical, political and economic spheres in India. Jains have an ancient tradition of scholarship and have the highest degree of literacy in India;[15][16] Jain libraries are the oldest in the country.[17]Tamil Jains and Kannada/Tulu Jains who are native to their region residing in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and some parts of Kerala respectively early since 1st century BC are distinguishable in some of their routines and practices from North Indian Jains, but the core philosophies and belief systems are the same for both cultures.