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Preface to the original Gujarati version
During the Chaturmasa of Samwat Year 2042 (1986 A.D.), our most revered Dr. Tarulatabai Mahasatiji delivered sermons and lectures based on the 'Atmasiddhi Shastra' of Srimad Rajachandra under the auspices of Shri Gujarati Swetumber Sthanakwasi Jain Association at Madras. We find great pleasure in presenting the same to you in the form of this book.
In this age of scientific and material progress, values of life are fast changing. Our faith in simplicity and righteousness seems to be replaced by material benefits. In spite of all the progress, our subconscious is aware of the shortcomings, limitations and transitory nature of all material benefits. Even in a country like America, which is so materially advanced, people experience a vacuum in life. Only the untiring efforts of great saints and propagators like Swami Vivekananda and others have inspired people world-wide to turn to the self and spirituality.
The tragedy with us is that we are blindly imitating the west and acquiring the Western culture in spite of the rich and invaluable heritage of spirituality that has been handed down to us through the ages. We do not acknowledge and value the great culture we have inherited. From time to time seers and saints have showed compassion towards all creatures and advised us to turn to our inner selves for true happiness and perfection. One such great saint was Srimad Rajachandra who composed the “Atmasiddhi Shastra' almost a hundred years ago, for his nearest associates who were spiritually inclined.
Atmasiddhi Shastra' is the quintessence of Jaina philosophy and Religion. The Syadvada doctrine of the Jainas is depicted here in the light of Vyavahara Naya and Niscaya Naya. Revered Mahasatiji has grasped the Jaina philosophy and the doctrine of Syadvada thoroughly and not a spark of sectarianism is visible in her commentary on Atmasiddhi Shastra. We heard and learnt
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