________________ Preface carya's Dhavala, dealing with the topic of dhyana, is reproduced. The eighth chapter makes a critical study of the mutual relationship between the gathas of the Dhyanasataka and Siddhasenagaai's commentary given in the fifth chapter. In the ninth chapter some of the verses quoted in the Tattvartha-Bhasya-Tika are compared with similar gathas in the Bhagavati Aradhana. And in the last chapter, the sections on dhyana-mahatmya and lesyavisuddhi of the Bhagavati Aradhana are reproduced in order to stress the importance attached to dhyana in Jainism and point out the necessity of purifying the lesya for progress in meditation. Abhayadevasuri and Virasenacarya quote copiously from the Dhyanasataka in support of their expositions of the doctrine of dhyana. The commentary of Siddhasenagani does not quote any gatha of the Dhyanasataka. But it is in perfect agreement with the views propounded in the latter. This led me to the critical study of the two treatises and place similar extracts side by side for the purpose of comparison. This study has revealed the fact that the classical theory did not undergo any substantial change at the hands of the later authors, and that the Dhyanasataka was treated as the standard text acceptable to all. Acarya Haribhadra, Subhacandra, Hemacandra, Yasovijaya and others added new material to the doctrine on the basis of their vast knowledge of the non-Jaina conceptions that were in vogue in their times. All of them had a comparative outlook in consonance with their non-absolutistic attitude. The original doctrine, however, remained intact, and has relevance even today. The cultivation of equanimity and tranquillity of mind and maintenance of calmness and equilibrium amidst adverse situations was the chief objective of the ancient doctrine and this is certainly the primal need of the strife-torn humanity of modern times. The blessings of Acarya-Sri Tulasi have always been with me in my scholarly pursuits at the Jain Vishva Bharati and the guidance and direction of Yuvacarya-Sri Mahaprajna are my inspiration. I have no words to express my indebtedness and gratitude to them. This book is most respectfully dedicated to Pandit - Sri Dalsukh Malvaniya in appreciation of his profound scholarship and glorious achievements in the field of Prakrit and Jaina learning. The love and sympathy of Sri Shreechandji Bengani, Chairman, Research Department, give a good deal of impetus to the research programmes and their execution with patience and perseverance. The
