________________
INTRODUCTION / 25
on the complex subjects of Aagamic and Jain philosophy, science has been effectively applied by him. He has employed uncomplicated and comprehensively easy language in the books meant for masses, but at the same time his excellence in the philosophical language is also manifested in the spiritual writings which are predominantly philosophical in nature. Mahapragya's book “Sambodhi' drew an interesting remark from his Guru, Ganadhipati Tulsi, “His (Mahapragya's) writings have undergone through the process of great evolution. This can be easily seen by comparing his present and past literature. In 'Sambodhi' the language is easy and interesting without loosing the depth and seriousness of the subject.” In this context, Mahapragya writes, "I am not used to writing easy Sanskrit, but being
surprisingly blessed by Ganadhipati on my writing easy language, I consider - this as a compliment and a life-time achievement." Published Literature
After studying Mahapragya's published literature, the literature written on him by various scholars was also referred. 'Mahapragya - Personality and Accomplishments' was the first book written on him and was edited by Shri Khaniyalal Phoolphagar in 1980. The second book edited by Shri Phoophagar was published in 2001 titled: “The Creative world of Acharaya Mahapragya’. In this book, his entire literature was discussed. In 1996, the book titled 'Mahapragya's Philosophy of Life' was written by Munni Dhananjay Kumar. Overwhelmed with the sense of gratitude, the writer has described: “Mahapragya's life in itself is a document of dedication and devotion, it is a masterpiece of knowledge and insight and it is a power house of positive thinking.” This book had highlighted the personality of Mahapragya as a thinker, writer and philosopher. In 2002, Dr. Dayanand Bhargava, a scholar writer, wrote a book titled: Mahapragya's Philosophy. In it, along with other subjects the examples from science have been included in the chapter titled: "Relativity and Anekant'. Looking at Mahapragya's science related literature, this chapter was pioneering, yet an important attempt. The writer presented a new dimension to Mahapragya's innovative philosophies. In 2003, a book titled: "Finding your spiritual centre was published - both in Hindi and English languages along with attractive pictorial depiction. This book contained many useful quotations from Mahapragya's literature. National and International acclaim was received by this book. Its complier was Shri Ranjit Dugar. In the beginning of 2004, the book titled 'Anukriti' was published based on Mahapragya's poetic writing - Rishabhyan. Its writer is a poet, Shri Jatanlalji Rampuria. Shri Govindlalji Sarogi forwarded the book to me while I was writing the introduction of this book. Superiority of this book is reflected in its language, style and subject matter. Its cover page is also attractive and enticing. Here, it is worth mentioning that a National seminar has been conducted on Mahapragya's Sanskrit literature, under the
Jain Education International
For Personal & Private Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org