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VIII: TRANSLATOR'S NOTE
Jain, having been made available to me. I am deeply indebted to these scholars, who have worked wonders to dig it out of the confines of some obscure libraries and show it the light of the day. I have freely used the Hindi translation by these eminent scholars. I shall be failing in my duty if I did not mention the encouragement I have received from Sri Sardarmal Ji Kankariya and Prof. Sagarmal Jain and the unstinted support from Dr. Suresh Sisodiya in my work. Agama Ahimisā Samatā Evami Prākṛta Samsthāna deserves a special mention, as without its decision to bring out this work in its English translation, it would have been impossible to venture this effort. They have taken a great step in support of the cause of popularizing Jaina-ägamas (canonical texts) amongst English speaking readership. They certainly
deserve kudos.
I dedicate this effort to the memory of my dear and departed father, Shi Ganeshlalji Baya, whose personal example, guidance and encouragement awakened, in me, a desire to study the Jaina philosophy more than a lay follower of the faith would normally do and made me capable of undertaking this task. I must also not fail to mention the motivation received from venerable
Acārya Śrī Ramlalji Mahārāj and Sthavira Śrī Gyānamuniji, to always proceed further and further in my scriptural quest. My wife, Mrs. Kanta Baya, who has supported my effort through her patience and forbearance and many other well-wishers who have encouraged me through their kind words, also deserve my thanks. How far have I succeeded in my efforts is for the readers and critics to judge. I shall, however, feel rewarded if this work fulfils the purpose for which it is intended, even partly, as it would mark a beginning in the right 'irection.
Udaipur,
Raksha Bandhan, 2602 (Vīrābda).
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