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PRELIMINARY NOTE
xi
found, if we are not mistaken, an interesting and valuable feature.
It will be seen that the author, though his aim is not propaganda, does not conceal his personal adherence to the Jaina faith; and he is. in fact, an influential member of the lay community. In the case of a doctrine which is also a religion there seems to be an advantage in a treatment by one who is in a position to appreciate practically the several and relative values of the different parts.
Mr. Jaini has generously placed his work at the disposal of the Jain Literature Society, to which he has further entrusted the task of editing it. While performing this duty according to our lights (and with a view to readers in the west as well as in India), we have not modified Mr. Jaini's text to the extent of impairing his full responsibility for the arrangement, the matter. and, the form. On p. 8 it should perhaps have been more explicitly stated that the souls in air, water, fire, etc.. have for bodies the parts of these elements.
The Index is the work of Mr. H. Warren.
F. W. THOMAS, President of the Jain Literature Society.
