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Mokshamala TRANSLATOR'S NOTE
While I was writing The Life and Mission of Shrimad Rajchandra, some of my friends had suggested to me to translate Mokshamälä. That time, however, I was not sure about my competency to undertake that task and had therefore expressed my inability to do so. Thereafter I happened to prepare translation of Tattvärtha Sutra of Vächak Umäswäti. That gave me a bit of confidence. As such, when the Trustees of Agas Ashram asked me to translate Mokshamälä, I agreed to undertake the work particularly because I consider this as the time to project the vital writings of the Graceful Lord to the English speaking people.
Pointing out the significance of the text revered Brahmachärijee had observed, "Mokshamälä contains the essence of all spiritual sciences. One should comprehend that essence by reading it hundred times.” The task of translating such a valuable text was not easy. I had to present in a foreign language the deeply meaningful contents of the book composed by the Great man. Surprisingly, however, as I started writing, the right terms continued to occur to me. I was experiencing as if some unknown inspiration was guiding me to present the text in the words that the Graceful Lord might have used, if he had planned to compose the book in English.
While preparing this translation I have tried to remain true to the original matter. My approach has been not to load the reader with the indigenous terms unknown to him. I have therefore mostly used the appropriate English words that can present the original spirit. Where it was necessary to use the indigenous terms, I have inserted the English explanations in brackets.
For poems occurring in the book I have given the transliterated texts together with the translations. Since it would not be easy to comprehend the true sense of poems with bare translations, I have given explanations in addition to the translation. I hope that it would be helpful in comprehending the poems.
While concluding I would like to mention that I have been happy for getting the opportunity to present this valuable work in English. It is for readers to judge the extent to which I have been able to give justice to the original text.
Lake Forest IL 60045
Manu Doshi
MOKSHAMÄLÄ, THE GARLAND OF LIBERATION
One, who knows the Self, has known everything.
INTRODUCTION
I am humbly composing this book in light of the words of disentangled Lords. It will cover instructive lessons in the form of beads of a rosary. The impressive title of the book may seem a sign of ostentation; that has, however, been adopted because it is going to lead to humility. There has not been dearth of authors, who have written about the spiritual philosophy and have urged for developing moral values. This book is not going to be superior to or at par with them; in all modesty, it would be insignificant in light of the highly reputable works of the great teachers. It is, however, incumbent for the followers to accompany the great men. Similarly such books are required to sow the seed to enable one grasp the teaching of great works and hold delicacy at heart.
Bhävnäbodh and Mokshamälä have been prepared by collecting and collating the ways and means propounded by Lord Mahavir for acquiring philosophical knowledge and right conduct so as to ultimately
