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FOREWORD
The B.L. Institute of Indology has great pleasure, indeed, in publishing the English translation of Muni Shri Nyayavijayaji's (A.D. 1890-1970) original Gujarāti work entitled 'Jaina Darśana' which has run into twelve editions. The work reveals his stupendous scholarship, his positive approach, his non-sectarian outlook, his wisdom and competence in attempting synthesis of conflicting views, his mastery of Indian philosophical and religious thought, his insight into the heart of religion, his sensitivity to all aspects of a problem, and his spiritual craving. It is to a great extent a comprehensive, competent and authoritative treatise on Jainism. It attempts to arouse sympathetic responses to the ethical and spiritual aspirations of man. The author has made sincere and honest efforts to bring out the true significance of Jaina views on various subjects.
We are most thankful to Dr. Nagin J. Shah, an eminent scholar of Indian philosophy, for accepting our invitation to translate the original Gujarāti work into English. He has successfully accomplished the task of producing English version that would closely retain the meaning of the original text and yet be intelligible to the English-speaking readers. He catches the spirit of the original and takes great pains to match it with proper verbal expression. He attempts to be as lucid as possible.
On this occasion we respectfully remember Rev. Mahattara Sadhvi Mrigavatiji Maharaj. It was at her suggestion that this project was undertaken by the management of the Institute. She was deeply impressed by the intrinsic worth of the work. It is really very sad that she is no more to see this publication.
Our thanks are also due to Shri Vinodbhai and Shri Rajkumarji, Trustees of Shree Atma Vallabh Jain Smarak Shikshan Nidhi, for the deep interest they have shown in this publication. We express our sincere thanks to the Mahattara Sadhvi Shree Mrigavati Foundation for the financial help for the project.
It is hoped that the publication of this work will be of immense value to the keen students of Jaina philosophy in particular and Indian philosophy in general.
Jitendra B. Shah
B.L. Institute of Indology Delhi 110 036, January 1, 1997
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