From the Jacket

Here is the thought-provoking work, which attempts to provide a rational basis to the Jain concept of soul. The nature, structure and functions of the soul cannot be studied without a reference to the physical apparatus. But the independent existence of the spiritual and the physical reality cannot be denied, however close their relationship. The unity and diversity are also important problems that a philosopher cannot ignore. In fact Nagarjuna, Sankara, Hegel, Bradley and others have exercised their brains to understand the conscological problem with reference to them, Dr. Jain has taken all their speculations into account to give a meaningful interpretation to the Jaina concept of the non-absolute which he considers as the fundamental reality of the Jaina system, beyond all theses, drstis and paksas, like the Madhyamika absolute that evades expressibility.

About the Author

Dr. S. C. Jain is a scholar who likes to work in solitude at his table. He was born in 1922 in a small village, Chavali, near Agra in Uttar Pradesh in the illustrious family famous for the pedantic scholar Pt. Manikchandra Kaundeya and such other Pundits. The holy scriptures of Jainism, the various works on the philosophies of East & West and the critical literature of the same field, are the sources of company and acquaintance with the masters and scholars of the past and present for him. Alongwith his theses 'Structure and Functions of Soul in Jainism' he has a number of published research articles to his credit. His English translation of the medieval poet Daulatram's 'Chhahadhala' has earned a wide repute. He still has some complete works awaiting publication. Following his own manner of study and writing, Dr. Jain, has some plans before him.