Translating Jain Shashtras

Jainism is a very old religion dating back many centuries. Lord Mahaveer, the last of the twenty-four Tirthankars lived during the sixth century before the Christian era. Jain scriptures during these times were in parkrit, Ardhamagdhi and Sanskrit languages. Later these were translated into English, Hindi, and Gujarati. The disciples (gandhars) of Lord Mahaveer wrote his preaching (shastras) in these languages. Many books and manuscripts of their works are preserved in Bhandars (temple- libraries). References to many books are found in the biography of many Jain masters. For a long time Jainism was limited to certain areas of Bharat - India. In the latter half of this century, many people migrated and continued to follow Jainism. Thus more people in the world became aware of Jainism. However, one of the reasons for the limited Jainism worldwide popularity is the lack of good books in modern English. Even the translation available are inconsistent and occasionally difficult to understand and appreciate by Westerners. The English language used by Indians differs from that used by the British and American English.

There exists a need to publish old books in modern English. While it is easy to generalize the above remark, it is also necessary to understand and appreciate the difficulties and hard work of translations. Some of the rites and practices of the Eastern religions are not found in the West. The spiritual meaning and feelings differ in degree and often do not convey the exact message in English translations. Similarly, sometimes the word of the Christian vocabulary may not be suitable for appropriate meaning. Even books discussing the notes on the vocabulary may not have details of content, proper headings of chapters or indexes. Glossaries of term are included in some recent books but discussion of synonyms and antonyms of thesauruses are rare.

In the English language many foreign terms, including Sanskrit and Hindi words, are included. Some of these are Guru, Karma, Mantra, Nirvan, Pundit, Yoga, etc. Similarly, terms like Aarti, Darsan, Moksha, Samadhi, Dhyan, Bhakti, Swadhyaya, Puja, Bhavna, etc. can be introduced in the vocabulary. Such use can be recognized as words relating to Jainism. The inclusion of definitions, explanations and meanings of certain words in the popular dictionaries like Webster, Oxford and Gage can facilitate the language. A section of Jain words or term in special dictionaries such as The Perennial Dictionary of World Religions, can then make terms commonly understandable. Correct meanings can also be conveyed with such recognition.

The impact and influence of the above suggestion may be strengthened by an example. Universities have included the epic poem of Atmasiddhi (Self- realization) by Shrimad Rajchandra for the study of Jain religion.

However, very little literature in English is available about either this original Gujarati text or its writer, Shrimad Rajchandra. He has written more than nine hundred letters and notes in Gujarati, that are not available in English (or even in Hindi) and hence Shrimad Rajchandra is little known among non-Gujarati Jains and non-Jains. If his work is translated in English, then people at large can better understand and appreciate the Jain philosophy of this great saint.

It would be great service for the development of Jainism, if the academicians would prepare in English a glossary, dictionary or a thesaurus of Jain terms, expressions words. The Jaina (Federation of Jain Associations in North America) can also play an active role in initiating such a project. North- American Jain youths can tackle this as a challenge or thesis and serve his Dharma (religion) by doing this great service and favour.

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