Kartikeyanupreksha

Author(s): Kumar Swami
Publisher: Paramshrut Prabhavak Mandal

Page 5

Preface (First Edition)
The Bärasx-Anwěkkhai, or what is usually known as Kartikeydnuprckout (in Prakrit, Kattige ynzppokkhi ), of Svāmi Kumāra is an exhaustive treatisc dealing with Jaina doctrines, especially the twelve Anuprekşis. By virtue of Jayacandra's Vacanikā in Hindi, ít attained great popularity among the Jainas; and it had already attracted the attention of R. G. BHANDARBAR and R. PrSohel among the oriental scholars. A critical edition of it was a long-felt desideratum.
I yearned since long to bring out a critical edition of the Kiktigcycintypekkha; and after long-drawn and chequered labours I feel relieved that I am putting in the hands of scholars its critically edited Text along with the only available) Sanskrit commentary of Subhacandra. For the general ader, the Hindi Translation also is included here.
The Anuprckşās, as topics of reflection, are of great religious significance; and in Jainism, they have played a fruitful rôle. Their significance, scope and purpose and their evolution through and exposition in different strata of Jaina literature are discussed in detail in the Introduc. tion. Different aspects of the text are critically studied, and fresh light is thrown on the personality and age of Syáni Kumāra. Subhacandra's commentary is presented as satisfactorily as possible from the available Ms. Personal details about him and his literary activities are collected ; and the contents, sources and language of his commentary are critically scrutinised.
For reasons beyond my control, the work lingered in the press for a long time; and I feel sorry that many of my friends and colleagues were kept waiting for it. But for the personal interest of the Managers of the Nirnaya Sāgara Press, especially Shri R. L. SHIKA KAK and F. S. Kals, the Introduction would not have been printed 80 speedily.
I offer my sincere thanks to the late Br. SHITALPRASADAJI who was keenly interested in this edition and secured two Mss, from Lucknow for my use, My thanks are also due to Svasti Sri LAKSMÍRNA Bhattāraka, Kolhapur, Shri PANNALAL JAINA AGRAWAL, Delhi, and the Curator, Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute for the loan of Mss. It was very kind of Pt. KAILARHCHANDRA SHASTRI, Banaras, who prepared the Hindi Anuvāda and extended his cooperation to me in various ways. Thanks are also due to Muni Sri PUNTAVAYAJI, Ahmedabad, Dr, P. L. VAIDS, Poona, Pt. DALASUKHABHAI MALAVANJA, Ahmedabad, Dr. P. K. GOD, Poona, Dr. HIRALAL JAIN, Muzaffarpur, Pt. BALACHANDA SHASTRI, Sholapur, and Pt. JINADAN SAASTRI, Sholapur, for their suggestions etc. in different contexts.