Jainism is not well known in the west, but it is one of the world's oldest religions. It is also perhaps the most demanding, rational and radical of all of them, attaching great importance to individual responsibility. It embodies many of the ideas underlying current thinking on the inter-connectedness of all living systems, the principle of non-violence and the need to live simply. Based around the individual's own spiritual journey and the choices he or she makes, Jainism, more than other spiritual tradition alive today, can bridge the gap between eastern and western patterns of thought. The author explains the basic principles of Jainism and their relevance and significance in the modern context. Jainism is not well known in the west, but it is one of the world's oldest religions. It is also perhaps the most demanding, rational and radical of all of them, attaching great importance to individual responsibility. It embodies many of the ideas underlying current thinking on the inter-connectedness of all living systems, the principle of non-violence and the need to live simply.

Based around the individual's own spiritual journey and the choices he or she makes, Jainism, more than other spiritual tradition alive today, can bridge the gap between eastern and western patterns of thought. The author explains the basic principles of Jainism and their relevance and significance in the modern context.