Ron Csillag, Toronto Star, Aug 10, 2002
A sumptuous, 224-page exploration of an ancient and relatively little-known faith...surprisingly relevant for the 21st century.


Book Description
Jainism and the New Spirituality is a sumptuous, 224-page exploration of an ancient and relatively little-known faith that is surprisingly relevant for the 21st century. Professor Parikh explains Jainism and links it to the newly emerging universal spirituality. He suggests that an understanding of new spirituality is essential to deal with current global issues. This is especially relevant to today's youth. Jainism and the New Spirituality offers explanations and assists it’s readers in redefining spirituality for themselves and their communities. Jainism and the New Spirituality is valuable reading on spiritual values, world religions, the multi-faith movement, peace, ecology and social justice. It is also an excellent resource for students of Jainism – young and old.


About the Author
Born in India to a Jain family, Vastupal Parikh migrated to Canada and obtained his Doctorate in Chemistry at Queen's University, Kingston. As a professor and scientist in Canada, he wrote several chemistry texts and earned a reputation as an author who could explain the most complex topics in a simple and easily understood style. Dr. Parikh’s interest in the modern philosophy of science and the ancient philosophy of religions prompted him to explore various religious systems. He found an interesting blend of the two philosophies in Jain literature, which he later studied, in-depth for over 25 years. The present project is an outcome of such study where Dr. Parikh examines Jain principles and practices through the critical eyes of a scientist. Such critical analysis of an ancient philosophy together with Dr. Parikh’s skill in lucid writing, and his perception of the emerging concepts of spirituality make this a highly readable and interesting book. Now retired, Dr. Parikh lives in Toronto, Canada with his wife Nalini. Dr. Parikh’s interest in the modern philosophy of science and the ancient philosophy of religions prompted him to explore various religious systems. He found an interesting blend of the two philosophies in Jain literature, which he later studied, in-depth for over 25 years. The present project is an outcome of such study where Dr. Parikh examines Jain principles and practices through the critical eyes of a scientist. Such critical analysis of an ancient philosophy together with Dr. Parikh’s skill in lucid writing, and his perception of the emerging concepts of spirituality make this a highly readable and interesting book. Now retired, Dr. Parikh lives in Toronto, Canada with his wife Nalini