Reality English Translation of Sarvarthasiddhi

Author(s): S A Jain
Publisher: Jwalamalini Trust Chennai

Page 26

PREFACE
ces. The goal of every individual soul is self-realization, the attainment of its true nature. That is described as everlasting bliss from which there can be po further relapse. But the task of attaining the perfect and pure condition of the soul demands ceaseless endeavour, firm faith and true knowledge.
The universe consists of matter and spirit, and though they are found in combination to a large extent, they are distinct and they can be distinguished by their special characteristics. Consciousness which is the attribute of the soul is absent in matter. The one cannot be changed into the other. It is possible for the souls to free themselves from bondage and 'attain perfection, by annulling the previous causes by calm and patient endurance of their effects, and simultaneously warding off fresh causes by the attitude of dispassion and the contemplation of their true nature. Action causes the inflow of karma, which leads to bondage, and to cease from action obstructs any further inflow. To be immersed in one's self is the best way to wipe out the accumulated karmas and attain complete liberation. The Jaina conception of the ultimate stage is positive and not negative. It denotes not merely freedom from ignorance and misery, but also omniscience and inexpressible bliss.
I take this opportunity to express my grateful thanks to Prof. A. Chakravarti, Shri A. Subbaiya Shastri, Dr. A. N. Upadhye, Dr. Hiralal Jain and Shri S. C. Diwaker for their valuable suggestions and criticisms regarding my work. I must express my special debt of gratitude to Shri S. C. Diwaker for revising the entire manuscript and suggesting several alterations and improvements.
I am glad that Shri Chhotelal Jain, Honorary Secretary of Vira Sasana Sangha, has been kind enough to accede to my request to present copies of this work to University Libraries and Scholars. THIAGARAJAR COLLEGE OF PRECEPTORS MADURAI-1
S. A. JAIN 29 March 1960