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PREFACE
(From First Edition)
Scriptures are the third eye of man. Study of scriptures awakens the sense of judgement or prudence of man and then he destroys evil thoughts, perversions and ill sentiments in order to experience the blissful true form of soul. Therefore, study of holy texts is like a wish fulfilling tree for every individual who wishes to experience ultimate happiness.
Uttaradhyayan Sutra is prominently placed among Jain scriptures. It is the last sermon of Bhagavan Mahavir. It is a compendium of beneficial and inspiring teachings covering a variety of themes aimed at all-round development and uplift of human life. As such, it can be called the Gita of Jainism. Due to the belief that reading and hearing of Uttaradhyayan Sutra has special significance on the day of Deepawali festival, there is a wide spread tradition of doing the same. Even otherwise Uttaradhyayan Sutra is worth serious reading and contemplation by every curious devotee.
The subject-matter of Uttaradhyayan Sutra is very interesting and instructive and at the same time it is also very helpful in awakening of the soul. That is the reason that, though hundreds of editions of this Sutra have been published, its demand still persists.
The unique idea of publication of Uttaradhyayan Sutra with illustrations is really a bold and attractive project for the benefit of masses. It is an established fact that with the help of good illustrations, even the most serious and complex subjects become easy and comprehensible. Illustrations have their own usefulness by way of giving some visible form to abstract and subtle themes and thereby making them comprehensible. From this angle this historical project of publication of Jain scriptures with illustrations of inspiring incidents and complex metaphysical themes will prove to be a new experiment in the field of publication of Jain canons. This will present the complex themes of Agams in an easily understandable style for the common reader. For this noble resolve and bold effort the name of Vidvadratna Pravartak Shri Amar Mani ji M. S. will always have an important place in the area of new experiments in Jain literature.
Rashtrasant Uttar Bharatiya Pravartak Bhandari Sri Padamchandra ji M. S., the granddisciple of Agam Ratnakar Jain Dharma Diwakar Acharya Samrat Shri Atmaram ji M. S., is a representative symbol of Mahavir's age in modern times, a simple hearted, pious soul,
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