________________ moksha. It is a unique book that lays down the inexorable rule or law for achievement of moksha. Ashtapahud is a collection of eight chapters. The eight chapters are darshan, sutra, charitra, bodh, bhaav, moksha, linga and sheel. Acharya has clarified many misgivings that arose due to lack of proper understanding of jaina principles, which were misleading the public, scholars and even saints. The purpose was to give a new life to eternal values of knowledge, religious practices, code of conduct etc based on true interpretation of the same. Samayasar is recognised as the "God in words" (shabdabrahma). The word "samay" has many meanings. Here it refers to the self. In essence, it is a rare and untold story of real self which has never been experienced by all of us. The stories of passions, sensuous pleasures and bondage have been known and experienced by all. It reveals secrets of almost all concepts of Jain philosophy in terms of nature of pure soul. Those who do not study this book miss the greatest and infinite treasure of Jain philosophy. In Samayasar, Acharya is at his best, his philosophy acumen at best and Jain Philosophy is in its most brilliant form, illuminating and fascinating the reader and left with indelible impression. This story highlights how an ordinary person like the cow herder became a great Acharya. His sincere desire to (a) learn from the saint and (b) preserve the leaf ultimately led him in his future birth to (i) an opportunity to learn from the Thirthankar and (ii) preserving the preachings of Arihant by composing several scriptures. It is often said that there can never be a Muni (Monk) like him, neither such a Muni had been born in the past nor would be born in future in this present fifth era. The teachings of Lord Mahavir will last until the end of the fifth era, i.e. 21000 years after Mahavir's nirvana. Acharya Kundakund will be remembered at least for another 18500 years along with Mahavir Bhagwan for the true path shown by him. Even if his teachings are inscribed on plates made of gold and letters made of diamonds, the value of his teachings can never be assessed. Teachings are end less, time at our disposal is short; Our wisdom is misdirected, hence learn only that leads to End of births and deaths. Acharya Kundakund, Ashtapahud doethe About Dr. Jayanti Lal Jain: Dr. Jain currently serves as Director, Center of Philosophical Sciences, Mangalayatan University at Aligarh, India. He is a very learned Jain scholar giving daily Pravachans, covering multiple aspects of Jain studies, delivering key note speeches for many Jain programs or special auspicious events for the last 25 years. Dr. Jain holds Ph. D in Economics from Oklahoma State University, USA and Ph. D in Jainology from University of Madras, Chennai. He was Professor Emeritus at Department of Jainology, University of Madras. He worked at Indian Bank, Chennai as Chief Economic Advisor/ General Manager. Dr Jain has published many articles on Jain Philosophy and on Economics, Banking and Finance. His books on 'Pure Soul and its Infinite Treasure', 'Acharya Kundakund and Jain Philosophy' have been published by University of Madras. He has delivered many special lectures in India and abroad and has considerable teaching experience.
