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PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION
Jainism is a system of thought formulated in ancient times, going back at least 3000 years in recorded history. The system of thought relates to the creation of life, matter, the universe, their inter-relationship and the duration of and the objective for their existence.
Mankind as it is today is the result of enrichment by various systems formulated and propounded at various times in history and beyond, in various parts of the world and by various groups of men, some of whom 'founders' described as actual incarnations of God or 'prophets', direct messengers from God, supremely inspired for the purpose. Thousands of people everywhere feel inspired and encouraged by these systems and attempt sincerely or even unknowingly by traditions to mould their lives in directions which they accept as better and higher for themselves, their future generations and thus for mankind as a whole. No one system had commandes universal acceptance, though every system claims this position. At various times in history, the systems have been in authority in various parts of the world and by virtue of such authority they have forced parts of mankind to accept them as guiding life, but this has added nothing to the sweet content of human civilization in abstract. Such enforcements have only left the bitter taste of their unwholesome memories.
Today, man is standing on the threshold of a new age. He has grown enough to look back and, as it were, to take stock of the situation. These systems with their prophets and propounders, masters and messiahs, messengers and magi have fascinated him and, he thinks, have brought him this far: but then, what next? His knowledge of the matter has taken him to the moon, the probe of Mars and Jupiter, the speed of sound catching further on perhaps to the speed of light, the creation of nuclear energy and even the creation of a breakthrough for producing life. And
