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five or even seven times. After going through a lesson, one should reflect over it for a few minutes and ask the self, "What essence did you get? Which portions need to be treated as Heya (to be avoided), Jneya (to be known) or Upädeya (to be adopted)? Thereby the whole book would be comprehended; there would arise delicacy at heart, thinking capacity will improve, and genuine faith in Jain precepts will arise. The book is not for memorizing, it is for contemplation at depth. It is devised for meaningful education and is presented in the form of instructions for children. Vivechan (commentary) and Prajnävabodh (instructions for mature) parts are separate. This is a part of the project and provides the essence in general.
This book will be particularly helpful to those, who have adequate knowledge of the language and who can make out NavTattva (Nine fundamentals) and other standard works. I strongly recommend that the essence of these lessons be imparted to the growing children. The students should be asked to memorize the lessons and the same should be explained to them at length. For that purpose other books can be referred to as may be necessary. After finishing the book once, the lessons should be repeated in the reverse order.
I hope, the learned people would not look at this book with skepticism. If one goes deeper, this Mokshamälä will serve as the source of liberation. Its main purpose is to impartially provide guidance about spiritualism and virtuous conduct. The growing young people tend to go astray by undergoing the study bereft of discernment. The purpose of publishing this book is to prevent it.
Since there was no adequate encouragement from the people, I have undertaken this venture without knowing how they would respond. I hope that it would be helpful. It is suggested that the book maybe given as a gift to the school-going children, at least to those, who go to religious classes. That would serve its spiritual purpose.
Dedication letter of the first edition
Adorable, respectable and devoted Nemchandbhai Vasanji of Mängrol, Mumbai.
You were aspiring to get this book published and have provided enough encouragement for the same. You have regard for the truths propounded by omniscient Lords. You are keen to see the uplifting of religion and of those devoted to it; your generosity is admirable; you have obliged the publisher of this book and are inclined to grasp the truth impartially, you have been endeavoring to set up Jain religious school at Mumbai. The publisher is dedicating this book to you on account of all those meritorious considerations.
Obligation letter to the donor of the first edition
The maximum credit for publishing this book goes to Sheth Nemcand Vasanji. One respectable lady had, however, come forward earlier for that purpose. She is the daughter of Odhavji Khimj Shah of Rajkot and the wife of Kiratchand Vakhatchand, the well-known late chief minister of Morbi. She had the intention of publishing a good book in the memory of her son Gheläbhäi. While looking for that purpose she talked to the present author and willingly provided enough support. There is dearth of wisdom among women in this country. As such, it is highly praiseworthy that she became helpful in this wholesome enterprise.
Kiratchand Vakhatchand left the world in 1864. He was an enthusiastic follower and devotee of Jainism. He had earned reputation as the chief minister of Morbi. While his wife was mourning his departure and had still not come out of it, she received another shock in the form of the loss of her dear son Gheläbhäi. How much agony that might have caused to her? She, however, kept patience and adopted the adorable mental attitude by pondering over the ephemeral nature of worldly life, unpredictable time-factor and inexorable destiny. She set up an alms house for helpless people at a cost of Rs. 7000/-. Being well planned, it would continue for a long time. For promoting the path of omniscient Lords she spent Rs. 450/for holy Bhagavati Sutra in the monastery here. The annual cost of fast-terminating caste dinner on the occasion of Samvatsari comes to about Rs. 100/-. She made the lasting arrangements for that purpose. During her visits to Pälanpur and other places she has donated generously.
