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alone." These words need special attention and consideration, Know that you are the creator of your own destiny, the strength and succour you want is within yourselves. Therefore, make your own future. Let the dead past bury its dead". Jain thought is like an ocean which bears infinite gems of purest ray in the form of doctrine of harmonious approach, spiritual advancement, the scientific exposition of the path of selfpurification leading to the bliss of beatitude and immortality.
It is gratifying to note that the secular Government of India is celebrating the 2500th Parinirvana ceremony of Lord Mahavira from October 1974 to October 1975.
Now people all over the world are interested in the Life and Teachings of Lord Mahavira. Therefore, an endevaour has been made to present in brief the life of Tirthankara Mahavira and the Jain Teachings in this book.
I have added some of my essays and lectures which were published as "Glimpses of Jainism'. A new chapter "Gems of Jinavani' has been written so that the seekers after Truth can enjoy the wisdom, depth, beauty and sublimity of Jain teachers and seers at a glance,
Acknowledgements
My younger brother Dr. Sushilchand Diwaker, M. A. B.Com, LL. B., Ph. D, Dean of the faculty of Commerce, Univeristy of Jabalpur has rendered valuable help and cooperation to bring out this work despite his ardous and very busy academic responsibilities. In this venture my brother Abhinandan Kumar Diwaker M. A., LL. B., Advocate Seoni has helped me a great deal. Shri Nemichand Jain, Delhi has kindly donated the entire cost of this publication in the sacred memory of his brothers Late Sri Raghubir Singh and Sri Deputymal Jain who were poble souls and prominent social workers and who were unfortunately snatched away by the tyrant death prematurely.