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II. Salutations
On 22nd April, 2012, learned saints, Bhattārakas (holy ones; heads of traditional Digambara Jain institutions) from across India, and scholars assembled in Kundkund Bharti, New Delhi, to pay their respect and have the darśana of Acharya Vidyanand Muniraj on the occasion of his 88th Birth Anniversary. While honouring distinguished Jaina scholars on the occasion, the Achārya preached that the only way to attain any spiritual progress is through the acquisition of knowledge. He proclaimed, “One who is ignorant and dim-witted does not know the Real Self." Achārya Vidyanand Muniraj has always been extremely keen in propagating, for the benefit of all, the teachings of Lord Jina. Having assimilated an ocean of profound knowledge that is found in the holy scriptures, he is today a living institution of learning. Starting from 25th July, 2012, the year is being observed as the 'Year of Knowledge Enhancement (Jńāna Vardhanotsava Varşa), as the Muniraj completes, on 25th July, 2013, fifty glorious years of his initiation (dīksa) as a Digambara Muni. We are truly fortunate that in our midst lives such a great Achārya; his darśana only is capable of cutting the shackles of karmic bondage that have constrained us since long, and illuminating the path that leads to true happiness here and hereafter. I feel extremely grateful and privileged for he directed me to work on this great composition by Achārya Amritchandra, Puruşārthasiddhyupāya, and feel contented that the work reaches your hands in this ‘Year of Knowledge Enhancement'. Before printing of this book, in spite of my best efforts, I was having apprehensions about possible errors or slip-ups in the work. Achārya Vidyanand Muniraj graciously got the proof-reading done by several learned persons. I do not personally know these individuals but I must thank them for their thoughtful and useful interventions. Two worthy disciples of Achārya Vidyanand Muniraj - Elāchārya Shrutsagar and Elāchārya Pragysagar - have always showered their blessings on me and guided me in my efforts to understand the profound
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