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has felt the dire need for the coordination between spiritual knowledge and science. Vinobha Bhave expressed it differently – “The train of science needs an engine fuelled by spirituality.” Acharya Mahapragya has moved a step further. He has proved the usefulness of science in the fields of education, meditation and spiritual knowledge. He has applied the various scientific results in the interpretations of Preksha Dhyana (meditation) and has explained in his sermons and literature how meditation cures diseases, changes habits and reveals the secrets of inner being. He believes that high accomplishments would only be achieved by entering into the finer world. The miracles and usefulness of atom are known to the entire world. But the power of consciousness is infinitely stronger. This is true because when 'T' is known, the rest all automatically follows. Therefore, the word 'Pragya' when gets associated with Acharya Mahapragya, it assumes greater meaning and significance.
In the present book, 'JAIN STUDIES AND SCIENCE: CONTEXT - ACHARYA MAHAPRAGYA'S LITERATURE', Dr. Mahavir Raj Gelra has exhaustively described those subjects of Jain philosophy from scientific view point which are discussed in various Mahapragya literature. Though philosophy and science both are intricate subjects, it's the skill and specialisation of Dr. Gelra to have described these in simple and comprehensible language. Due care has been taken in all the sections of the book as not to touch those subjects which are not based upon scientific principles. This has become possible because of Dr. Gelra's unique combination of minute and profound knowledge of Jain philosophy and science along with his humbleness and scholar's attitude. He is a writer, philosopher, thinker and a spokesperson of three important facets of life - religion, philosophy and science. - This is indeed the result of the blessings of Dr. Gelra's religious Guru Acharya Mahapragya which has enabled him to work on latter's literature. His research papers published in various national and international seminars have earned him great accolades. Being a popular figure in Jain society, he has been invited as a speaker on number of occasions by the Jain saints.
Dr. Gelra completed his M.Sc. in chemistry followed by Ph.D. from Jodhpur University. He retired as Director, College Education, Rajasthan, and later became the founder Vice-Chancellor of Jain Vishva Bharati Institute (Deemed University), Ladnun. Having reached the pinnacle of success in the field of education, he's now actively associated with Acharya Mahapragya's literature.
SADHVI RAJIMATI
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