________________
of Indian spiritualism is one at its source, irrespective of getting divided later into Upanishadic, Buddhist, Jain, Ajivak, and other rivulets. Rishibhashit is the only work that compiles at one place the discourses of Upanishadic Rishis, Brahman Parivrajaks, Ajivaks, Shramans, Buddhist monks and Jain ascetics. This work is a clear proof of the assimilative and tolerant nature of Indian thought. Today when we are deeply bogged into communal separatism and strife this great work could be an enlightening guide. I hope that widespread propagation of this work would release us from the communal blindness.
Acknowledgements At the outset, I am grateful to Shri D.R. Mehta, secretary of Prakrit Bharati Academy, and M. Vinay Sagar whose persistant persuation made this detailed preface a work of research. Although a lot more serious contemplation is still needed, I hope the young scholars would fulfil this need. The publication of this book was delayed because of me. For which I apologise before the publishers as well as the readers.
I also express my gratitude towards Prof. Schubring and other scholars who have done explorative analysis and contemplation of this important work and whose writings have helped my working. Similarly, I am grateful to the authors of Dictionary of Pali Proper Names, Vedic kosh, Mahabharat Namanukramika and others which provided easy references to me. In the end I express my gratitude toward Prof. Madhu Sudan Dhaki and my research assistants and associates Dr. Arun Pratap Singh, Dr. Shiv Parasad Singh, Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh and others who have helped me complete this preface.
Sagarmal Jain Professor and Head, Philosophy Deptt. M.L.B. Arts and Commerce College, Gwalior.
Translated into English by Surendra Bothara
Jaipur.
Rishibhashit : A Study 227
