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અભિવાદન manuscripts supplied by the Muniji at a later date) that I could prepare my thesis on this text. Perhaps I would never have become interested in Jainism had not these three manuscripts waited for a student. It was again in 1956 that I had the opportunity to meet the Muniji in Ahmedabad. I still remember vividly the discussion I had with him, and I regret that in those days I was mainly occupied with other tasks so that the discussion could not be continued in the form of constant consultations. But during the last years I have again taken up the study of Jain literature, this time together with any friend and colleague pr. c. B TRIPATHI who is among the contributors to this volume. Both of us feel that the progress of our work which centres around Bhasyas and Niryuktis is largely dependent on the co-operation with Muni PUNYAVIJAYA. We therefore hope that the Muniji will work for many years to come with his usual energy and lend his advice to all those whose studies cover Jain literature.
Prof. Dr. K. Bruhn Freie Universitat, Berlin. Seminar for Indische
Philologie, Berlin.
VI To anyone listening to members of the Jaina community, it immediately appears that Muni Shri Punyavijayaji is deeply admired and venerated all over India.
If then you are awarded the honour and privilege of being introduc. ed to this eminent personality, you readily feel that you are entering some unknown and extraordinary world. At first, a Westerner will probably be somewhat bewildered while going up the steps and crossing the monks' quarters in the building where Muniji often puts up when in Ahmedabad. In the further corner of the story, Muniji will be seated on the floor, somowhat in the shadow of the plain cupboards where all kinds of manuscripts are carefully kept.
Sometimes, he will be deeply engaged in study, reading or writing on his knees, surrounded by manuscripts and books which cover the ground around him. Sometimes he will be discussing with scholars. Or else, he
1. Published later on at the instance of Muni PUNYAVIJAYA by Pt. A. M. BHOJAK as Volume III of the PRAKRIT TEXT SERIES,
$11. 24. 2
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