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NM KANSARA
SAMBODHI
This book is a collection of succinct outlines of twenty topics of the tenets of Jain philosophy and religion according to the Digambara tradition The topics outlined are a general introduction, a glimpse of the history of Jainism, the path of liberation, proper outlook, reality and elements, Jiva-tattva and its nature, its various states, the Non-Jiva, Asrava, Karma, Speciality of the principle of Karma, Samvara, Nirjarä, Moksa, gradual steps to selfdevelopment, the conduct of householders, the conduct of mendicants, means of proof and outlooks, Anekānta and Syädvāda This is very handy and beautifully printed book to be kept at hand for easy reference NMK ATMĀNVEŚT (Hindi), by Muni Ksamāsāgara, Vidya Prakashan Mandır, New Delhi, (Revised 2nd Edn ), 1998, pp 120, Rs 30'This work is an unusual biography of an extraordinary Digambara Jain saint Ācārya Śrī Vidyāsāgara-ji by his disciple The incidents of the part of his early life that are seen very intimately by a mother, are narrated through the mouth of the saint's mother Śrīmati-ji, and that covers pages 1 to 66, while in the rest of the 54 pages the inspiring incidents are narrated by the author himself The learned scholar Yashpal Jain of Delhi has contributed an Introduction (bhūmikā) in which he has pointed out that his is not a simple biography, it is rather a religious pilgrimage, in which there are many jaunts and halts, the first being that of the childhood, during which the child gave out indications of the future course of life he was going to adopt The second part of the book records incidents highlighting the aspects of the life of the saint, such as, a guest, his love of Nature, first meeting, innocent life-style, a treasure of jewels, association with good people, the introvert pilgrim, the self-sun, victory over obstacles, intuition, detachment, holy message, granting protection, the real path, alertness, Nırgrantha, titles, purity, infinite love, composure, liberation, best spiritual endeavor, regarding others as one's own selves, mercifulness, real grace, instruction of duty, self-discipline, resting in one place, importance of renunciation, occasion, self-confidence, practice of equanimity, strong determination, test, highly nearby, inspiration for duty, wishing welfare, attachment with a detached one, tolerance, humble faith, self-control, experience and meditation on the Self It is hoped that these incidents will unfailing inspire the readers to further goodness in his life. NMK.