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At one time, it was thought that Jainism was an offshoot of Buddhism and that both bad originated from the Vedic Religion, but further research has now conclusively proved that, that belief was unfounded. It is now shown that both Jainism and Buddhism were independant systems of thought belonging to the Shraman School which had its existence in India long before even the Brahman School came to flourish there. That this was so, will be evident to the readers from Dr. Jetly's essay "Historical Position of Jainism". Dr. Kalidas Nag in “The Message of Jainism”, bas laid special emphasis on the central facet of the Jaina Doctrines viz. the Doctrine of Abimsa ( Non-violence )'Op which subject Dr. Upadhye's essay will be found to be highly instructive. In the last essay "The Philosophy of Mahavira " Shri Kamta Prasad Jain has put particular stress on one of the fundamental Doctrines of Jaina Philosophy-the great Dootrine of Conciliation viz. the Doctrine of Anekantvada or Syadvad, by which “confluence of opposites" can be easily secured.
I feel confident that these essays if perused in the right spirit, will, apart from acquainting the reader with the Principles of Jaina Philosophy, also induce him to know more about Jainism the Great Religion, which preaches Non-violence and Universal Love not only towards man but towards overy living being under the Sun.
-Prasanmukh Surachand Badami Judge : Small Cause Court - BOMBAY
Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat
www.umaragyanbhandar.com
