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CHAPTER-I
the opportunity of listening to it, the Ganadhara Acharya named Gautam having known its subtle and intricate meaning composed the Anga-Prakeernakas (Sacred books) out of compassionate feeling. Thereafter, Wardhamana Swami attained salvation. After some time in this fifth era, three Kevalis (omniscients) were found: (1) Gautam (2) Sudharmaacharya (3)Jambu Swami. Thereafter, due to bad times, occurarnce of omniscients stopped, but for some time Shruta-Kevalis (the knowers of all 12 Angas, i.e. complete scripture) were available and thereafter their-availability also came to an end. Further for some time more the knowers of a few Angas only were found. Later on their availability too came to an end. Thereafter, the Acharyas wrote scriptures (sacred books) on the basis of scriptures written by Anga-knowers. In this tradition more scriptures were written and their prevalence continued. In them also, due to bad times, many books (Granthas) were destroyed by wicked persons and due to discontinuance of study, the important books (Granthas) were lost, but some of the great Granthas are still found; because of feeble knowledge their study became difficult. For example, in south India near Gommattg Swami (Shravanbelgola) in Moodbidri town (near Mangalore) the Dhawala, Mahadhawala, Jai Dhawala, etc. Granthas are existing but are available for adoration (Darshan) only. However, many other Granthas which are still available are within the reach of our knowledge for study but amongst them too only a few Granthas are being studied. Thus, in these bad times the highest Jaina religion underwent the state of downfall, but through this tradition even nowin Jaina-Shastras (sacred books of Jains) the existence of words conveying true meaning is continuing.
A Word About This Book Here in this era, I have now got human-birth. In this birth, I developed interest in study of Jain-Shastras owing to my past (religious) impressions and present good luck. Due to which after studying in general the useful books on grammar, logic, mathematical science, etc., I have been studying as per my intellect and understanding the following various Shastras (Sacred books) with their commentaries.
(1) Samayasara, Panchastikaya, Pravachansara, Niyama-sara,
Tattvarth sutra, etc. (Shastras of Dravyanuyoga, the metaphysics). Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only
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