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This work will greatly benefit all those seeking to understand this deep philosophy and way of life for their own self enlightenment.
I whole heartedly congratulate Dr. Agrawal for this outstanding work and wait in great anticipation for the completion of all the 415 stanzas.
Mrs. Sheetal Vijen Shah Coauthor of English version of
Chhaha Dhaalaa
London (UK)
IX
Dr Paras Mal Agrawal's outstanding and historic work
During the last two thousand years, many commentaries have been written on Samayasara and the same process will continue. The present work of Dr Agrawal is unique in so many ways. It is in English, and it also uses examples based on modern science, therefore, it satisfies the urge/query in young scientific mind on the usefulness of Samayasara in understanding of nature of substances and working of the universe. It is historical contribution in this sense. This work uses minimum of technical words. The subject of science of soul is discussed without prejudices of any type whatsoever. The subject matter is made simple and amenable to easy comprehension.
My association with Dr Agrawal has been quite old. In fact, during late 1970's, we were together at Oklahoma State University in USA. Dr Agrawal had a copy of Samayasara and we used to discuss the same on Sundays when we used to often meet, only to discuss Jain Philosophy. Since then, we have been in contact in some way or other on the subject and I am very happy to see that now he has written a book on the same subject. Based on that initial inspiration which grew very strong with passage of time, I submitted my Ph.D. thesis in 2005 on pure soul and its infinite treasure based on Samayasara, and later published by University of Madras in 2010. I mention it here as those were formative days of understanding which have resulted in an outstanding contribution by Dr Agrawal. His work is a culmination of experience of delving into the subject for more than three decades.
Jain Education International
I am certain that the book will be quite useful to readers and students of Samayaṣāra. English texts are necessary as the most readers and students of younger generations are likely to be weak in traditional languages. Samayasara is now being taught in many universities in India and across the world. No serious discussion on the nature of soul is complete without reference to it. Even critics also refer with pride. The book will be most handy for everyone who is interested in the subject.
Dr Jayanti Lal Jain Director, Center of Philosophical Sciences Mangalayatan University, Aligarh UP
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