Samavayangasuttam

Author(s): Ashok Kumar Singh
Publisher: B L Institute of Indology

Page 13

Preface
It is gratifying that Jaina canonical literature attracted the attention of scholars golbally. Since the publication of authentic translations of four canons, namely Ācārārga, Sūtrakstānga, Uttarādhyayana and Kalpasūtra, in the Sacred Books of the East Series and of few others outside, a number of commendable efforts have been made by Jaina Institutions, academic as well as religious, by scholars in India and abroad, to bring out the English translations of the Svetambara Ardhamagadhi canons. With the result that few of these like Ācārānga, Uttarādhyayana, Kalpasūtra and Daśavaikālika have more than one English translations. But texts such as Samavāyānga, Prajñāpanā are still waiting for the favour of scholars in this regard.
Prior to my arrival at BLII, this Institute has already undertaken the project of English translation of third Angasūtra Sthānānga, therefore, with the permission of the management I took the projet of translating this fourth Anga text, Samavāyāngasūtra. Because in content and style it bears close similarity with the third Anga. Both texts are encyclopaedic nature and are suppliment to each other. Though categories here exceed ten and continue by progression up to hundred and then far exceed hundred. Immediately following, but without any logical connection with this, is a detailed table of contents and extent of all the twelve Ārgas; then all sorts of statements which cannot be united into one class and which deal partly with doctrine, partly with hagiology and, if we may use the expression, history or legend.
Initially, at the pattern of SBE Series, it was intended to bring out only the English translation of this work and the text of Madhukar Muni edition published from Byavar was made as the base for the purpose. Subsequently, in the light of the suggestion of the Aademic Council of BLII, notes on translation was included in the original scheme. For including text with variant readings in the present project i.e. the text of critical edition of Mahavira Jaina Vidyalaya, Mumbai, Institue as well as the translator, is very much obliged to