Jain Stories 02

Author(s): Mahendramuni, K C Lalwani
Publisher: A B Jain Shwetambar Terapanth Samaj

Page 11

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deal with the life events of monks, acharyas, Sravakas, sravikas, or even people who are known to history, and in so far as this has happened, these stories may serve as a good source material for history A large number of stories are connected with events in the life of Mahavira, and they are highly instructive to the reader The lives of great teachers and monks have always been a source of inspiration to others, and when these bave been catered through the medium of short stories, they have reached a much wider and a cross section of the members of the public.
When in the course of my own studies of the Agamas, I became aquainted with the existence of such a fabulous crop of short stories, I set myself, under the inspiring guidance of my senior colleagues, notably Muni Nagarajji of the Terapanth sect, to the task of bringing this harvest within the reach of the common man My endeavour was, therefore, directed to the faithful reproduction of these stories 10 readable Hindi. As I proceeded in my work, new vistas opened in front of me so that by now it has been possible to print 27 parts in Hindi and many more parts will follow in years to come. I was encouraged by the reception given to my labour and this made me think of bringing out the same stories immediately through the English medium to reach a much wider section of the public in India and outside The English version of Jaina short stories produced by Prof K. C. Lalwani is now going out for the first time, and it is expected that the book lovers irrespective of caste or creed will derive ample benefit and pleasure from it.
Before I conclude this brief preface, I must add a personal note which I am keen to share with the earnest Teader. The vast world of Jaina stories gave me an acquaintance with human character which I saw corroborated through my own experiences during the past two years or so when I passed through many trying situations, trials and tribulations, ignominy and hardship But no hardship lasts for ever. As a good experience may be followed by a bad one, all due to the operation of karma, so a bad experience is itself followed by a good one. This is the eternal order. If one is securely