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PUBLISHER'S NOTE
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In the year 1992 we first of all published Shri Uttaradhyayan Sutra with Hindi and y English translations. At that time it was our first effort and a new experimeni. This is because till then only simple English translations had been published. Not a single out of the 32 Agams was published alongwith multi-coloured illustrations vividly explaining the discussed topics. Our experiment has been absolutely successful. It received heartiest welcome from the readers of the Word of the Jina and the demand increased. Encouraged by this, late Gurudev Uttar Bharatiya Pravartak Bhandari Shri Padma Chandra ji M. accorded permission to his able and scholarly disciple Shri Amar Muni ji M. to launch the project of publication of Agams with English translation and illustrations. The English readers have a greater thirst for ancient wisdom. Even foreign scholars study Jain beliefs with great interest and seriousness. They also endeavour to explore new interpretations in order to reveal hitherto unknown facts.
With the pious blessings and encouragement from his revered Guru Dev, revered Shri Amar Muni ji M. resolved to translate the ideas of Guru Dev into action. There were many problems and hurdles on this path but the resolve never diminished and, shattering all hurdles, the work progressed as planned. With unrelenting efforts of 14 years we have till date published 19 Agams with English translation and illustrations. This path-breaking work is being praised and commended all around. Those who were afraid to mention even the name of scriptures, not only have started reading them but also collecting them in their personal libraries. The reverence and curiosity for Agams is on the increase among masses.
This historical project of Agam publication is nearer its goal now. We are confident that progressing with the same zeal and speed we will soon reach our goal.
Last year we had published the first volume of Shri Bhagavati Sutra (Shatak 1 to 9. This second volume contains Shatak 5, 6, 7 complete and one Uddeshak of Shatak 8. Remaining portion of this voluminous Agam is expected to be completed in four more volumes (3 to 6).
Pujya Gurudev's able disciple Shri Varun Muni shares the responsibility of editing the Agams with all sincerity and devotion. We are getting sincere assistance of contributing scholars and experts of Agam literature like Shri Shrichand ji Surana 'Saras', who has been responsible for Prakrit and Hindi portion and Shri Surendra Kumar ji Bothara, who has been responsible for English portion. We are pleased to place this 19th number of Illustrated Agam series in the hands of our readers.
Many generous and devout guru-devotees from different areas have displayed their devotion for the Guru and scriptures through their generous contributions. We express our sincere gratitude for them all.
-Mahendra Kumar Jain
PRESIDENT Padma Prakashan
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