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Publisher's View
Primarily three levels of art have been considered
The first art is of lowest category which simply feeds the stomach. The second art is of medium category which satisfies the appetite of mind and intellect and third art has been of sublime level which leads to the SELF realisation. Virtually the art which makes the SELF to be percepted is of paramount standard out of all the three arts. It also can be termed as art of religion and art of life. Thus the art of religion teaches the man how to lead a life. It makes the life blissful, turns bitterness and ugliness into sweetness and beauty, and it exhalts the SELF. In the series of the publication of the Agamas there is such a type of Agama namely "Nishith Sutra" propagated by the liberated souls which purifying the SELF makes the SELF to be percepted. The present Agama based on the code of conduct of Ascetics and narrated in twenty chapters has an important place as "Chheda Sutra".
About twenty years ago reverent Gurudev Uttar Bhartiya Pravartaka Shri Padamchand Ji MS motivated his humble disciple Agama Divakar Pravartka Shri Amar Muni Ji MS for the publication of Agamas with English Translation and pictorial illustration to which reverend Sh. Amar Muni Ji MS launched a new conception giving new coverage to the publication of Jain Agama literature through his hard labour in his turbulent life.
In the series of Agama publication "Illustrated Nishith Sutra" is the twenty seventh composition of reverend Guruji. In the month of June 2013 the fourth volume of "Shri Bhagwati Sutra" has been released.
After getting done the English translation of Agamas with pictorial illustration, Reverend Shri Amar Muni Ji MS has performed a unique task thereby his name is written in "Gold Letters" in the Jain Shrut Literature".
Presently the work of the publication of Agamas has been moving ahead under the auspicious guidance of the devoted and Agam interested Sh. Varun Muni Ji MS the disciple of reverend Gurudev Shri Amar Muni Ji MS. We can never forget the great act of his kindness. The co-operation of the chief co-editor Sh. Sanjay Surana the proprietor of Shri Diwakar Prakashan, Agra will also be remembered forever for the publication and pictorial presentation of this Agam. We thank from the core of our hearts all devotees of Gurubhakts who have donated generously for the publication of the Shrut.
Let this agam make the Shrut devotees propelled in a religious dance fervour by making them luscious like the nibus clouds.
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-Mahaender Kumar Jain President, Padam Prakashan, Delhi
