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value of a human being is determined primarily by the measure and the sense in which he has attained liberation from the self.”
The message of Jainism is (Harry P80) : एयं खु नारिगणो सारं जं न हिंसइ कंचणं । अहिंसा समयं चेव एतावंते वियारिणया ।।
The value of true knowledge lies in liberation from violence in thought, word and deed. Ahinsa is the foundation of wisdom and tranquility of mind. And Vinobaji says : मैं कबूल करता हूं कि मुझ पर गीता का गहरा असर है । उस गीता
को छोड़कर महावीर से बढकर किसी का असर मेरे चित्त पर नहीं है।....गीता के बाद कहा, लेकिन जब देखता हूं तो मुझे दोनों में फरक ही नहीं दीखता है।
"... For me there is really no difference between the teaching of the Geeta and of Mahavira."
Amongst all the forces that have influenced and shaped the cultural and socio-political history of man-or rather the cultural evolution-perhaps none has been more pervasive and potent than religion in its widest sense. And Ahinsa could be regarded as man's supreme discovery. These considerations make the history of religion of no small interest to those interested in Socio-biology, a current subject of far reaching importance.
We are deeply greatful to the Acharya Shri for this valuable and inspiring contribution to Jain history and philosophy. It is to be hoped that an abridged version published in one volume would be brought out soon for the benefit of a larger circle of readers. An English translation would be distinctly useful and will fill a widely felt need
D. S. Kothari
Delhi October, 1983.
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