The Forest of Thieves and the Magic Garden: An Anthology of Medieval Jain Stories

by Phyllis Granoff (Editor)

Lively tales of asceticism, wickedness, and virtue from one of India's great religious traditions

Beautifully translated from the Sanskrit, the stories in this volume reflect the vital tradition of Jain storytelling between the seventh and fifteenth centuries. Some of their characters find bliss by renouncing the world, others by living within it in peace and moderation. There are stories depicting the painful consequences of a loved one's becoming a monk and the triumph of Jain women who win their husbands over to their religion. The climactic story follows an unsuspecting traveler's journey through a forest of destructive passions. Ranging from simple folk tales to sophisticated narratives of rebirth, The Forest of Thieves and the Magic Garden opens a window onto a rich religious tradition.

Genres: Religion, Folklore, Medieval, Short Stories, Classics, India, Mythology

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Lulu]

7th-15th

Avacuri to the Nandisutta, ??

Bratkathakosa of Harisena (931-932 C.E.),

Dharmabhyudayamahakavya of Udayaprabhasüri (1233 C.E),

Kathakosa of Prabhacandra (10th c. C.E.),

Kumarapalapratibodha of Somaprabhasüri (1195 C.E.),

Kuvalayamalakatha of Ratnaprabhasüri (13th c. C.E.),

Mulasuddhiprakarana with commentary of Devacandrasuri (1089-1090 CE),

Padmapurana of Ravisena (678 C.E.),

Parisistaparvan of Hemacandra (12th c. C.E.),

Prabandhakosa of Rajasekharasuri (1349 C.E.),

Satruñjayakalpa of Dharmaghosa (15th c. C.E.),

Upamitibhavaprapañcakatha of Siddharsi (906 C.E),

Vividhatitrthakalpa of Jinaprabhasüri, (1333 C.E.),

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and intriguing stories from the Jain tradition, this is a must-read volume for students of world religions and those who love wisdom tales from around the world. Good, too, for adult spiritual group discussion.

[Carmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting anthology and makes me want to learn more about this very ancient religion.

[Czarny Pies · Rating 4 out of 5]

The "Forest of Thieves" is a remarkable anthology of medieval Jain stories that all have the objective of teaching the Jain follower how to apply in his or her personal life the five vows of Jainism which are:
1. Ahimsa: Not causing no harm to living beings which means amongst other things being a vegetarian.
2. Satya: Always speaking the truth.
3. Asteya: Not stealing.
4. Brahmacharya: Chastity and celibacy.
5. Aparigraha: Being non-possessiveness of objects and people.
The ultimate goal of respecting the five vows is to free oneself from the cycle of reincarnation and to thus liberate the soul.
Although some of the stories are well-written, one should not read this collection in the hope of finding excellent literature. The purpose of the stories is always didactic. One reads them in order to understand Jainism. If approached in this manner, they are highly rewarding. At the end, the reader feels that he has learned a great deal the style and substance of the Jain religion. Given that one now regularly meets Jains living in North American, it is very worthwhile to learn something of their belief system. For this reason I heartily recommend reading this book.
There is no question that the Jain tales contain a view of the world that is very strange to modern North Americans. Many stories are like classical comedies in which a virtuous hero and heroine overcome many obstacles so as to be together. Once the obstacles have been overcome the decision is made by the two that the hero will become a monk and the heroine will become a nun so that they can live out a chaste or celibate existence together. In our literature, needless to say, the pay-off for the hero and heroine is quite different. It is however the fact of a different underlying value system which gives the stories their charm and this volume such a fascination.

[Steven "Steve" · Rating 5 out of 5]

A surprisingly interesting and enjoyable collection of tales based on Jain monks, nuns, and lay followers. Not as focused on the spiritual as the supernatural, but more the tales of the Gods and mystics. Excellent translation, including some poetry.

[Will · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautifully translated from the Sanskrit, the stories in this volume reflect the vital tradition of Jain storytelling between the seventh and fifteenth centuries. Some of their characters find bliss by renouncing the world, others by living within it in peace and moderation. There are stories depicting the painful consequences of a loved one's becoming a monk and the triumph of Jain women who win their husbands over to their religion

[Chum Sole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has many great parables. Some bolder than others. Some jump to the point of believing in the wrong faith being cause of suffering in this reality, while some need more build up and many layers to show the reincarnate nature of this life. I thought overall it was a great book as an introduction to the interesting teachings and parables belonging to the Jain doctrine. Many depict animals, and fantasy deities in order to weave these tales. I recommend it!

[Eric Villalobos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing collection of stories. Very entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the various stories Granoff presented. Like the introduction says, this is not an introduction to Jainism and the particular beliefs are not expounded in any systematic way, BUT the selection she gives (though, as she says, it is not comprehensive) gives a nice taste of Jaina ethics and Jaina storytelling.

I only question her dealing with puns in translation, which sometimes worked but at times was a little jarring. I completely understand, of course, why there was a need to do what she did, given the language translation and her goals. Honestly, aside from that tiny detail, this book was amazing.

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!