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PUBLISHERS' NOTE
Shri Parshvanath Vidyashram, Banaras, is a research institute. It is interested in Jainology, an important part of Indology, in all its branches for comparative study of them. It was founded in 1937 by Shri Sohanlal Jain Dharma Pracharak Samiti, Amritsar. From the beginning the Vidyashram had the fortune of being guided by Pandit Sukhlalji Sanghvi, then holding the chair of Jainism at the Banaras Hindu University and his able successor in office, Pandit Dalsukhbhai Malvania, of the Oriental College there. Under their care and affection it has grown and expanded its activities.
A number of scholars have worked at the Vidyashram and been awarded Doctorate of Philosophy by the Hindu University. Of these Dr. Mohan Lal Mehta, the author of this book, is one. He was a Rattan Chand Memorial Research Fellow. This fellowship has been provided by the brothers and sons of the late Shri Rattan Chand. Dr. Mehta has been connected with the scheme of studies of the Vidyashram from the beginning of his educational career at Banaras which covers a period of ten years. His work has always been attended with capability and diligence.
The present book represents his thesis on the psychological interpretation of the Jain doctrine of Karma. The Karma theory of Jain philosophy is not only interesting but is also of profound psychological significance. To Jainism psychological attitude of mind and motive of one's action have been of the basic value and an approach for correct governance of the relation between man and man, man and beast and other lower beings of the smallest life. Wanton life it discourages. A properly balanced and ordered life leading to the happiness of everyone concerned is its aim. In living such a life 'Samyama' plays an important role and this book attempts to unfold the why and wherefore of the same.
To borrow from the report of the examiners of the thesis, “the present work which is the first of its kind in Jainology, is a valuable contribution to Jain psychology in particular and to Indian psychology in general.” It compares and contrasts the Jain view with the speculations of other Schools of Indian thought and also with the investigations of modern Western psychology. The author has not merely expounded Jain views but also at some places reinterpreted and reconstructed them. His treatment is thought provoking.
The Samiti has aimed at publishing the results of the research work done by its scholars at the Vidyashram. A publication fund of Rs. 10,000/was sometimes ago provided by Messrs. Rattan Chand Harjas Rai and Muni Lal Moti Lal of Amritsar, from the Dharmartha fund. The publication of other theses will come in due course.
The Samiti has a scheme of preparation of basic Jain Literature which may guide and help in the study of Jain contribution to Indian and world
