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Spiritual Enlightenment
As a mystic of high repute, Yogindu states that Paramatman, being the subject of intense meditation, is beyond the comprehension of the Vedas, Shastras and senses. He dwells in the equanimous mird and not in the temple, idol or painting. He is quite critical of empty rituals and meaningless religious practices and social customs and boldly proclaims that the path of spiritual englightment or liberattion does not depend on any mystic syllable or mystic practice (tantra, mantra, circles or diagrams) but on rigorous pursuit of the path of right vision or perception, right knowledge and right conduct.
In this work, we are reproducing the English translation of the Apabhransha text by Rickhab Dass Jain, which was first published by Kumar Devendra Prasad, The Central Jaina Publishing House. Arrah in 1915. for which we express our gratitude to them. It may, however, be mentioned that Shri R.D. Jain has not provided us with the translations of verses 46*1 and 65*1 in Book I and verses 36*1, 36*2, 74*1, 111*2, 111*3, 140*1, 156*1, 202, and 203*1 in Book II. In translating these verses, I have greatly benefitted by the translation provided to me by Shri Devendra Kumar Goyal. These translations have been included at the appropriate places.
We also express our gratitude to Param Shruta Prabhavak Mandal, Shrimad Rajachandra Ashram, Agas, for reproducing an exhaustive summary of the contents, critical estimation of the work and masterly evaluation of the philosophy and mysticism of Yogindu by a highly reputed and renowned scholar like Prof. A.N. Upadhye. In view of the exhaustive commentary of A.N. Upadhye, there was hardly anything for me to add. Yet I have endeavoured to highlight some issues or emphasize certain points , even at the cost of some repetition, which I hope will be found useful by the readers.
In writing the introduction, I have greatly benefitted from the various articles contained in Jain Vidya Special Issue 9 (November 1988) on Yogindu published by Jain Vidya Sansthan, Shri Mahavirji, Rajasthan. I express my gratitude to the writers and organizers of that journal.
I am thankful to my sons, Rajendra Kumar Jain and Pradeep