Pure Soul and the Jaina Traditions, Syntax and Experience

Main author: Flügel, Peter
Format: Journal Article           
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id eprints-41636
recordtype eprints
institution SOAS, University of London
collection SOAS Research Online
language English
language_search English
topic BL Religions. Mythology. Rationalism
DS Asia
G Geography (General)
HT Communities. Classes. Races
N Visual arts (General)
B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion
C Auxiliary Sciences of History
N Fine Arts
description In museums and exhibitions, the Jaina tradition has generally been presented in stereotyped form. The approach of the Pure Soul exhibition at The Brunei Gallery SOAS was different. For the first time, philosophical and social differences within the Jaina tradition were placed at centre stage, highlighting the internal pluralism of Jaina thought and practice, and the fact that there are distinct varieties of Jaina ethics. The premise was that in its processes of internal differentiation, the vitality and creativity of the Jaina tradition manifests itself. The aim was to inform a wider public about previously underrepresented facets of the Jaina way of life, in particular on the non-image venerating Śvetāmbara mendicant traditions, and lay traditions inspired by the spiritual teachings of the Digambara monk Kundakunda. Most of these traditions do not even feature in standard textbooks on Jainism, let alone exhibitions, though thirty to forty percent of Jainas follow them today.
format Journal Article
author Flügel, Peter
author_facet Flügel, Peter
authorStr Flügel, Peter
author_letter Flügel, Peter
title Pure Soul and the Jaina Traditions, Syntax and Experience
publisher Centre of Jaina Studies, SOAS University of London
publishDate 2024
url https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/41636/