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Preface:
Shri Jain Sidhdhant Praveshika - The Primer of Jain Principles:
I am honored to present an English translation of Shri Jain Sidhdhant Praveshika. The original auther of this text was Pandit Shri Gopaldasji Baraiyaji. It was a priviledge to read his book in Gujurati published by Shri Digambar Jain Swadhyay Mandir Trust - Songadh, India. His work is written in such a readable style that anyone should be able to understand the basic Jain principles. Since I was able to significantly further my own knowledge about Jainism through this book, I was motivated to attempt an English translation of this work. It is hoped that a translation will be an invaluable tool for the English-speaking children of the western world and India who are studying Jainism. Initially the scope of the work overwhelmed me; however I was encouraged by friends to pursue the project. In fact, at the completion of the translation, my personal belief in the principles of Jainism was further enhanced. For a beginning student, this English translation will provide a much clearer vision of the fundamentals of Jainism. The utmost care has been taken in this translation to maintain the integrity of the original text. In a very few places, I have taken the liberty to expand the text to convey in English Baraiyaji's true intention. The same question-answer pattern as utilized in the original text has been retained.
I am very much thankful to Dr. Melvin Donaho, Ph.D. of Phoenix, U.S.A., to have read and given valuable suggestions for the manuscript. I am also thankful for my good friend Mr. Pawan Jain of Adinath Kundkund Kahan Digambar Jain Trust, Aligarh, India for encouraging me and having spared his valuable time to help print this book.
Great care has been taken to avoid any errors, but occasional errors are inevitable. If any errors are found by reading through the text, I humbly request the reader to inform me so that proper corrections can be made. Any suggestions to improve the format will be considered and appreciated.
It is my sincere wish that the material in this book would be helpful for those who desire to understand the principles of Jainism as well as for the students of the Jainism in North America or wherever Jainism is practiced and preached.
Jai Jinendra.
digjain@aol.com (August 10, 2003)
