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(iv) pleasure that in its compilation and publication we had cooperation from all and opposition from none.
During the course of last two thousand years, it was for the first time that an unanimous work was published on the eve of 25th centenary of Nirvāņa of Lord Mahavíra. Saint Vinobaji remarked that impact of Mahavira on his mind was second only to the Bhagvad Gita.
After the Assembly of 1974, in April 1975, the first edition of Samaņasuttam with Hindi translation was published. Its second edition was published in May 1975, just one month after the first. Third edition was published in 1982. In all 15,000 copies of Hindi editions have been published. The demand for its English translation arose after some time. To bring out an edition with appropriate and upto mark English translation, we have been striving for last twelve years. We have to be very careful in the translation of a religious text to avoid contradiction.
First of all Dr. K.K. Dixit translated it into English. He was entrusted with the task on the advice of Padmabhusaņa Pt. Dalsukhbhai Malvania. Mr. Justice T.K. Tukol also translated it, on the suggestion of Honourable vice-President of India Sri B.D. Jatti. Both the drafts were handed over to Dr. Sagarmal Jain, Director, Pārsvanātha Sodhapeeth, Varanasi in accordance with recommendation of Late Chimanabhai Chikubhai Shah. On the basis of both the drafts he corrected the translation and prepared this final draft. The draft prepared by him is being published now. I am very thankful to all of them. I appeal to the learned readers to write us, about the errors in it, to enable us to correct those in ensuing editions.
I find that the publicity of Samaņasuttam was not at desired level during last 15 years. As far as the English edition of Samaņasuttam is concerned it was undually delayed. Respected Vinobaji and Sarva Seva Sangh have entrusted me the responsibility of bringing out the English Edition. I am extremely sorry for this delay.
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