COLOURS OF DESIRE ON CANVAS OF RESTRAINT Paperback

"The Colours of Desire on the Canvas of Restraint: The Jaina Way" by Sudhamahi Regunathan is a lucid and engaging introduction to Jainism, challenging the popular misconception of it as a "dry" religion. Regunathan, a former vice-chancellor of the Jain Vishva Bharati University, draws from ancient Jaina texts, stories, and myths to illuminate the religion's profound philosophy and historical evolution. The book traces the narratives of the first twenty-three Tirthankaras and delves into core tenets like anekanta (the multi-dimensionality of truth), santhara (the controversial practice of voluntarily embracing death), and the central interplay between desire and self-restraint. It highlights how early Jains used diverse and innovative communication methods, from sensuous poetry to explicit tales, to transmit their teachings, ultimately revealing a rich, austere yet colorful world that has significantly contributed to India's common ethos.