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The thesis gets more strengthened in chapter six and seven, where one finds canonical and scriptural arguments and references and the nature of Jain theism is evolved and discussed. I have tried to bring out most beautifully and most effectively the theistic color of the Popular Beliefs and Sadhana in Jainism.
I earlier mentioned that the book is, infact, a journey. We start with Atheism and Theism, then Theism and Jainism, proceeding to Theism in Jainism and ultimately arriving at Jain Theism as conclusion. Other than canonical and scriptural references, I have referred to a number of great thinkers and philosophers, both Indian as well as foreigners, who directly or indirectly share with me. The aim of the work is to evolve Jain Theism, successfully and logically; and I wish the reader to find out how far this aim has been attained.
The original thesis submitted to Gujarat University for the degree of Ph.D. was titled as Since at the end of the Thesis I present Jain Theism, thinking it to be more desired, I have titled this book as Jain Theism.
As a Ph.D. student and as author of this thesis I have an expectation from such sincerest and research proned scholars to further explore this Theism. Jain Mysticism, which is one of the areas, along with this, that could be explored. In fact, in the modern days of science, a lot of scientific truths given by Jainism could be examined as scientific and yet Theistic. Even Jain Mythology could also be viewed as branch of a great Theistic system. Naturally, I will be highly contented if something in this direction goes on.
-Hemant Shah
Jain Education International
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