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FOREWORD
The present monograph, an outcome of the three research lectures I delivered in February 1993 at the B.J. Institute of Learning and Research (Ahmedabad) is, apart from some alterations and additions, identical with the one that was presented earlier in December 1992 for publication at the Centre for Indian and Inter-religious Studies, Rome (Italy). It was practically impossible for me to work out a new theme for the research lectures within the limited period of scarcely seven weeks which were at my disposal after receiving the kind invitation in January, 1993 from the B.J. Institute (Ahmedabad). Moreover, during this period, I had also other responsibilities in Germany.
As regards the monograph, I deal with the theme of ahim så and asceticism in their historical aspects - their origins and developments in ancient Indian culture containing many related issues with variety of mutually intricated structures posing numerous problems. I tried to solve them with some supporting views of modern scholars known in the research-world for their significant contributions to the study, and balanced views in the field of
Indo-European (Vedic and Brahmanical), Buddhist and Jaina . philology. My main aim is to offer the reader an opportunity to
rid themselves of some false notions prevailing among most of them about the ahim să and asceticism in ancient India. I shall be contented even with this type of service I could rather render to the academic circles in this part of the world.
Once again, I express my sincere thanks to the members of the Executive Committee, particularly to the Chairman Shri Chinubhai Chimanbhai Sheth, the Director Dr. Pravinchandra C. Parikh, and Mrs. Prof. Dr. Bharatiben K. Shelat, B.J. Institute of Learning and Research (Ahmedabad) for kindly inviting me for the lectures and accepting them in their research publication series.
Indological Seminar Westfalian University Müenster (Westfalen) Germany. Dt. 03-07-1993.
Bansidhar Bhatt
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