On the Indian Sect of the Jainas

"On the Indian Sect of the Jainas" by Georg Bühler is a non-fiction exploration of the ancient Jaina religion of India, published in the early 1900s, which examines its historical importance, beliefs, and social organization. Bühler compares Jainism to Buddhism, pointing out both similarities and the unique aspects that define Jainism, while focusing on making the religion more accessible to both European academics and educated Indians who may not be familiar with European languages. The book begins by explaining the origins of the Jaina sect, noting its development around the same time as Buddhism and its separation from Brahmanism; it also introduces the two main branches of Jainism, the Digambara and Śvetāmbara, describing their different customs and doctrines. By looking closely at Jaina mythology and stressing essential principles, the work provides a way of understanding Jainism as a complex system of philosophy and morals focused on finding spiritual freedom.