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PREFACE. (To the first Edition.)
THIS little book will explain itself. How I came to write it, may here be fittingly mentioned. While taking what is known as 'the Indian Course' of study, as arranged by Professor Lees Smith, M. A., M. P., at the London School of Economics (University of London), as a student of the Jain community of India, I received from home a sad communication, the announcement of the premature death of my beloved wife; and without completing my work in London I was about to return home, when a friend, consoling me, urged that all that happens is for the best. In a few days the same maxim came to me from my GURU CHARITRAVIJAYAJI in a letter of consolation. I began to think how good could be brought about on the occasion of my bereavement; from conversation with some of my European friends, it seemed that an outline of the Jain Philosophy was wanting in English, and a publication such as the present would be of some use. I thereupon compiled this little book in my time of mourning. If anyone is at all benefited by reading it, then some good will have grown out of my misfortune, and the maxim will have been confirmed.
Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat
www.umaragyanbhandar.com
