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FOREWORD
The late lamented Champat Rai Jain was a Bar-at-Law by profession; but he is better remembered on account of his numerous publications in English as a deep Scholar of Comparative Religion The Kew of Knowledge is his Magnum Opus. His comprehensive study of Comparative Religion and his deep understanding of Christianity and Islam he brought to bear on Inis study of Jainism. The result has been remarkable. In fact he can be looked upon as one of pioneers who introduced Jainism to the western world in a catching and effective manner. We owe to him a number of books in English dealing with the Householders Dharma, the Sannyasa Dharma, etc. His Practical Path or Practical Dharma is a neat exposition of Jainism, as a way of life The present book Fundamentals of Jainism is based on the Practical Path of the late CR Jain from which some portions are omitted. The opening Chapter gives what can be called the method of understanding reality, or the Anekantavāda, which is lightly called intellectual Ahımsā of the Jainas. The subsequent chapters give details about the fundamental principles of Jainism. They indicate how the mundane spirit can get rid of the shackles of Karma and steadily attain spiritual perfection following the stages on the path detailed here the chapter dealing with Dharma in practice lays out what needs to be followed day-to-day by one who wants to lead a religious life
This is indeed a useful book which goes a long way to explain Jaunism both lo a lay reader and to an earnest student of comparative religion It is but natural, therefore, that this brochure is blessed by Muni Shri Vidyanandaji.
The Publishers deserve our gratitude for its timely publicauion when we are celebrating the 2500th Anniversary of the Nirvana of Bhagavân Mahāvira.
University of Mysore Mysore: October 2, 1974
a. n. upadhye
