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history, which has still much to learn from the vast literature which only the Jaina scholars are able to survey in its entirety. The abundant textual quotations in the two treatises afford not only many new pieces of information, but also indisputable evidence of the soundness of your conclusions. Your very careful scholarly procedure and your systematic consideration of all the facts and opinions must be convincing to every reader, and your criticisms of previous theories are decisive. The two studies deserve to be regarded as models of genuine investigation, not be disregarded in any future treatments of the subjects.
These ten years which have passed since I enjoyed the extraordinary kindness of yourself and your community in Agra have not at all dimmed my grateful rememberance of it. In Bombay also, where I first experienced the personal benevolence of your revered Gurudev, and in Karachi, Bikaner, Calcutta, Mysore, my vivid memories of two visits to India are particular happy in incidents of Jaina friendliness: in connection with the translation to be printed. I hope, beofre long I may be able to record my sense not only of the high intellect: ual and ethical quality of the Jaina literature and community but also of the kindness to myself continued despite my appą. rent neglect during the years of war and post war troubles.
I trust that you have reason for constant satisfaction in your work as a scholar and as a head of a community, and that inpediments of health and practical life are absent. If you should be able to remember me to any of your adherents who were helpful to me in Agra in 1938, that would be a great favour. Believe me,
Yours sincerely,
F. W. THOMAS Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat www.umaragyanbhandar.com
