________________ 50 As you might llave observed, there is a small but trained band of workers in our field of study, but let us hope that more and more scholars would interest themselves in this comparatively ncglccted branch of Indian Culture. Expressions like "Prakrit and Jaina studies' and 'Jaina scholar' somclimcs crcatc misunderstanding and unnecessarily connote some exclusiveness. But let us remember that Jainism, like other systeins, cmerged out of a common background of Indian life and thought, and has always influenced and was influenced by contemporary life apto this day. Hence any contribution to the knowledge of Jainism through a varicty of mediums-Prakrit, Sanskrit and regional literatures will be a contribution to a wider study of Indian Culture in all its multifarious expressions. Scholarly cquipment and training are important for learned pursuit; but I hope you will agree with me that complete Bhakli or devotion to Icarning is most essential for any researchcr and seeker of knowicdge. Hardly any work of lasting importance could be produced without that devotion to study and research. The Pratikramana Sutra most appropriately invokes the blessings of Srutadevata on those who were devoted to knowledge, and I cannot conclude better than with the ancient Gatha from that sacred text G3T7TT HITTE T110/124-777-821 तेसि खबउ सययं जेसि सुअ-सायरे भत्ती।।
