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FOREWORD In the firmament of this vast universe, there are some luminaries who are a constant source of inspiration. Acharya Hemchandrasoori is one such luminary, shining for ages in the literary field. The memorable name of this scholar saint always brings tranquillity of mind. We like to reminisce about him frequently.
I have never felt that Hemchandrasoori belonged only to the Jains. I prefer to think that he was an angel sent by God to this earth. He loved all mankind and worked for the welfare of every living being.
He has written thousands of pages and occupies a venerable place in the history of Indian literature. I do not think I can do him justice in these few pages of this small booklet, yet I have made every effort to project his great personality.
The smallest bit of sugar gives a sweet taste. This small biography has served the same purpose in my life. Let my readers also share the sweet taste !
I should consider Dr. Rashmikant Shah as a connecting bridge between me and my English readers. He has selflessly devoted his valuable time to translate this biography into English, thereby giving me and my readers a life-long gift. Another fortunate coincidence is that Dr. Shah has deeply studied Indian and non- Indian literature, along with Jain Darshan, i.e. the philosophy of the Jains. This book would hardly have reached you without his sincere co-operation.
It is my pleasure to present this new and revised version of the story, which was initially written for the Hindi readers of 'Nirmaan', on the occasion of the ninth centenary of Acharya Hemchandrasoori
Malad, Bombay-64 24th October, 1989
Muni Mitranandsagar
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