Moksha Marg Prakashak

Author(s): Todarmal Pandit
Publisher: Kundkund Kahan Digambar Jain Trust

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been profusely used in the second, third, fourth and fifth chapters. To carry home to the reader the message of the topic under discussion and to substantiate his point of view, Panditji has largely drawn quotations and examples from innumerable Jain and non-Jain philosophical and religious books.
From the viewpoint of the subject matter, the contribution of the author is no less important. Although each sentence of the book reflects true Jain religion and philosophy, yet a lot of such new thought is available in the book which is not found in that very lucid form in earlier Jain literature. From this angle chapters seventh and eighth need special mention. Some such examples are as under : 1. Classification of Nishchyaabhasi, Vyavharaabhasi Ubhayaa
bhasi etc. in the form of Jain misbelievers. 2. True traits of Panchparmeshthis 3. Misconceptions about seven Tattvas 4. Real conventional viewpoint 5. The correct method of understanding the true meaning of Jain
Shastras 6. The purpose of all the four Anuyogas, the constitution of dis
courses, style of description, imagination about existence of blemishes and their clarifications etc.
Not only has Panditji provided new knowledge but he has also x-rayed and given valuable comments and suggestions upon the prevalent religious rituals and practices of the society of his times. This clearly shows that besides self-realisation and profound knowledge of scriptures, he possessed a keen sense of understanding and analysing the intricacies of social behaviour (Chapter seventh). As an example, the following graphic description relating to the socalled religious practices and rituals followed by the Jain society 230 years ago is truly applicable even in the present era :
“Many Jivas follow religion (rituals) either because of family tradition or by observing others or under the influence of greed passion. Such persons in no way possess the religious viewpoint. While they are worshiping, their mind gets engrossed in other