The Forest of Thieves and the Magic Garden

An Anthology of Medieval Jain Storytelling

by

Paperback, 384 pages

English language

Published Aug. 28, 2007 by Penguin Classics.

ISBN:
978-0-14-045523-6
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OCLC Number:
70173162

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4 stars (1 review)

The stories collected in this volume reflect the rich tradition of medieval Jain storytelling between the seventh and fifteenth centuries, from simple folk tales and lives of famous monks to sophisticated narratives of rebirth. They describe they ways in which a path to peace and bliss can be found, either by renouncing the world or by following Jain ethics of non-violence, honesty, moderation and fidelity. Here are stories depicting the painful consequences when a loved one chooses life as a monk, the triumph of Jain women who win over their husbands to their religion, or the rewards of a simple act of piety. The volume ends with an account of vice and virtue, which depict the thieving and destructive passions lurking in the forest of life, ready to rob the unsuspecting traveller of reason and virtue.

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reviewed The Forest of Thieves and the Magic Garden by Anonymous

Review of 'The Forest of Thieves and the Magic Garden (Penguin Classics)' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

This is a wonderful collection of medieval Jain folktales that playfully explore life, love, and the Jain path. The tales are entertaining but, in the tradition of good folk tales, also meant to teach virtues and good character. They also give insights into medieval Indian society and culture. This collection gives wonderful insight into the vibrancy of Jain storytelling and a window into a religion that to many may seem very austere and severe. Highly Recommended!

Subjects

  • Fiction anthologies & collections
  • General & Literary Fiction
  • Folklore
  • Sanskrit Literature
  • Literary Collections
  • Religion - World Religions
  • Sanskrit
  • Literature: Classics
  • Jainism
  • Religion / Jainism
  • Ancient, Classical & Medieval
  • Folklore & Mythology

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