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Preface
A few years ago, my father in law, Mr. Chimanlal Mehta gave each of his daughters in law, 1 lakh rupees and invited us to spend our share on whatever we wanted. I believe that his intentions were to gauge where our interests lay. Occupied by the onerous task of looking for a girl for my elder son, Maulik, I put the money into a closet and out of my mind. Riddhi came into our family in November, 2012, and not being raised in a Jain family was unfamiliar with our customs and rituals,
When Paryushan and the time to do the Samvatsari Pratikaman drew closer, I took it upon myself to look for a suitable English translation to the sutras for Maulik, Riddhi and Meghav (my younger son). Not satisfied with what I could find, I took it upon myself to translate them into Gujarati along with English. In this, I remembered and was able to make use of my father in law's gift.
An effort which I originally expected to take a few months has taken the better part of a year, but for that I am thankful-proof reading and further research has deepened my understanding and appreciation for our religion.
With little experience but a trove of curiosity, I began working on this book with the blessings of my mother in law, Kantaben Mehta and the constant support of my husband, Deepak. My entire family has taken an interest in my endeavor. I am also very grateful to my sister in law, Kavita whose invaluable help and motivation has made the English translation possible.
This effort has also been blessed by Gurudev Shri Rakeshbhai Jhaveri, Padmashri Dr. Kumarpalbhai Desai, and Dr. Dhanvantbhai Shah.
I am grateful for having had the opportunity to work on this translation. Please forgive me if any part of it has caused offense.
Ila Mehta
