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self-liberation.” Śrîmad's philosophy is mainly Soul/ Self oriented. It is centred around ātma-vicāra. It is the metaphysical basis of his spirituality. Hence we may state that ātma-dharma or doctrine of ātman is the essence of Śrīmad's philosophy while self-realization or ātma-siddhi is the heart of his spirituality or adhyātma.
The main source of Śrîmad's writings is his spiritual experience which he obtained through the knwoledge of his past lives (i.e. jātismaraña) and developed considerably through the rigorous spiritual discipline in his present life. Gandhiji rightly observes that Srímad has written only that which he experienced. His vast and profound study of Prakrit and Sanskrit, canonical and non-canonical, Jaina and non-Jaina ancient as well as modern works pertaining to different systems of Indian philosophy and religion in general and Jaina philosophy and religion in particular, also provided sound basis and profound insight for his writings. On the basis of his works Dr. Sarayu Mehta observes that Śrīmad seems to have studied more than one hundred and twenty five works thoroughly. Besides, in his writings we come across references to another about one hundred and fifty works. For example, Śrîmad carefully went through the Jaina canonical works such
