Introduction to Jainism and its Culture

Author(s): Balbhadra Jain
Publisher: Kundkund Gyanpith Indore

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provide more informations on 20 Tirthankaras from Adinātha to Naminātha. Some new material has been added which is provided by Sri Surajmalji Bobra, a learned scholar on Ancient Jain History. There was a suggetion to add more material on Samyagdarsan, Samyagjñāna, Manahparyaya Jñāna, Jiva, Pudgala, Samvara, Nirjarā, Gunasthāna, Sallekhanā, Virtues of householder etc., but because of the fact that book is designed to provide an introductory knowledge of Jainism, we have restricted ourselves and kept these discussion pending for the supplementary issue of the book which will be published soon. We are thankful to Sri Bobraji, Sri Nirmal Kumarji Soni and other scholars, who provided several suggestions to increase the utility of the book.
The book is going to be published by Kundak unda Jñānapitha, Indore with the financial assistance of M/s. S. Kumars, Mumbai and Sri Siddhakuta Chaityalaya Temple Trust, Ajmer. We are thankful to the authorities of these institutions.
Kundakunda Jñānapitha established in 1987 is a well known research institute not only in India but abroad too. Its quarterly research Journal Arhat Vacana contains enough interesting material related with scientific aspect of Jainism and Jain History & Archaelogy. The reference library of the Jñānapitha has more than 9500 titles and 350 periodicals coming regularly. Institute has successfully completed the survey, documentation, evaluation project of Jain Sanctuaries of Gwalior Fort (Gopāchal). An artistic monograph with several coloured photographs and sketches has been published. Twenty one another publications have been bring out by the institute. Conducting the examination on moral education, providing financial and academic assistance to research scholars on Jainology, providing infrastructural facilities to promote researches on Jainism are other features of the institute.
We are sure that the present publication will get place in academic world and serve its purpose. Suggetions for the improvement in the book will be highly appreciated.
Basant Panchmi 17.02.02
Dr. Anupam Jain Editor - Arhat Vacana Gyan Chhaya, D-14, Sudamanagar, Indore -- 452 009