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Preface
In November 1973, I was pleasantly surprised by a kind letter from Dr. Ramesh S. Mehta, Vice-Chancellor, Sardar Patel University, Vallabha Vidyanagar(Gujarat University) inquiring if I could undertake to write a book on Jaina Darśana 25 I had been recommended for the purpose hy the Advisory Conimittee of the Trust for publication of books on the major religious of the world. I agree to undertake the work.
The main object of the Trust, as I understand, is to “Promote tolerance among the people following different creeds" by publication of books on the basic tenets of the major religions of the world.” I have therefore tried to expound the various tenets of Jainism with reference to the basic scriptures acceptable to the Digambaras as well as the Svetāmbaras, besides clarifying some of the misconceptions about the antiquity of the religion and some of its fundamental doctrines. I have given in each chapter a free rendering of the relevant original verse on the subject under discussion, without doing any harm to its meaning and spirit. I have tried to discuss each topit with consistency, precision and
y. It has been my endeavour to present the essence of the tenets of this great and very ancient religion as dispassionately as possible without exaggeration so as to ensure a correct understanding of its philosophy. My object throughout has been to achieve authenticity in the presentation of doctrines. It is for the readers to assess the extent of my success in this task.
My primary thanks are due to the Trustees of the Publication Committee and to the former Vice-Chancellor of the University Dr. Ramesh S. Mehta who gave me the opportunity of writing this book. I must record my profound sense of gratitude to late Dr. A. N. Upadhye, M.A.,D.Litt., Head of the Department of
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