Riches and Renunciation: Religion, Economy, and Society among the Jains (Oxford Studies in Social and Cultural Anthropology)

The Jains of India are a flourishing and prosperous community, but their religion is focused on the teaching and example of ascetic Renouncers, whose austere regime is actually dedicated to ending worldly life and often culminates in a fast to death. This book, which draws upon a detailed study of Jainism in the city of Jaipur, shows how renunciation and ascetism play a central part in the life of a thriving business community, and how world-renunciation combines for Jain families with the pursuit of worldly happiness.