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PREFACE
Jainism is an old religion of India. It is one of the few ancient religions of India, which is still very much alive. Several salient features of Indian culture such as vegetarianism, non-violence, tolerance and non-aggression, can be traced back many Jaina sources. It is, however, a pity that Jainism has not aroused as much interest outside India as Buddhism and Hinduism. In the field of philosophy, Jainism has added a new dimension by propounding the doctrine of 'non-onesided nature' (anekānta-vāda) of reality. This book undertakes to convey a precise understanding of the central philosophy of Jainism.
I am very grateful to the Trustee and the Director of L. D. Institute of Indology, Ahmedabad, for the honour they did me in inviting me to deliver a course of lectures on Jaina philosophy in the summer of 1975. This book is a slightly modified version of the lectures I delivered at the L. D. Institute of Indology.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank my wife, Karabi, and my former student, Dr. J. L. Shaw of Victoria University of Wellington, both of whom helped me in preparing the manuscript. Toronto, Canada.
Bimal Krishna Matilal
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