Biology in Jaina Treatise on Reals

SR No.: 001656
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: N L Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith
Publication Year: 1999
Total Pages: 210
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Religion, & Biology
File Size: 13 MB

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Biology in Jaina Treatise on Reals
second chapter entitled 'Biology in Jaina Treatise on Reals'. We hope Dr. Jain would complete the translation of all the remaining chapters and we will try to encourage him as far as possible.
Tattvärtha-sūtra stands at the crest of Jaina Samskṛta literature for learning Jainology as whole in a systematic way. This text is taken as sacred and its recital is said to earn auspicity. The Digambaras have high regard for it. The scholarly popularity of this book can be judged by the large number of commentaries of various forms on it during different periods and in different languages. The commentaries elaborate the topics of text logically and comparatively. They form the intellectual side of Jaina Doctrines. However, as they belong to different periods, they contain many points which help to guess the history of development of thoughts on physical and spiritual aspects. Out of these commentaries, Rājavārtika of Akalanka (720-780 A.D.) has been accepted as the best by scholars all over the world. It was desirable to present it in english for long. We are told that Dr. Jain felt for this need during his meeting with many foreign scholars while he was abroad. It is pleasure to learn that INSA approved his project in this direction to translate two chapters, one on Biology and the other on Physical sciences. The INSA has not only approved the translation but has also permitted for publication.
The Digambar Jaina Samaj, Chennai is very much thankful to the Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi for approving and permission to publish this monograph and to Dr. N. L. Jain for offering us an opportunity to share a token contribution towards Jinistic promotion through publication of this work. Also, we are thankful to Parsvanatha Vidyapitha, Varanasi for jointly undertaking printing and publication of this monograph.
Mahendra Jain
Secretary
Digambar Jaina Samaj, Chennai
Mahendra Jain President
Digambar Jaina Samaj, Chennai
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