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We always think that it is the 'elders' of the family that perform Samayiks and Pratikramans. Now with few 'elders' left to guide us to perform these rituals, this book is very timely. Not only will it benefit the youngsters of our family but many others all over the world, who shied away from performing the Samvatsari Pratikraman as they did not understand what was being recited.
Since most of the children of this generation are educated in English, it is better to talk in their language. I do not believe that it will take away from it's impact if this Pratikraman sutra is recited in English, as long as we understand the importance and reason for asking for forgiveness from all creatures of the world at least once a year, if not more. With this translation, I hope the performers will appreciate the tenets of Jainism and the relevance of its teachings even today. I am thankful for this opportunity to translate a few of the sutras of this book as it gave me a chance to understand and appreciate them better myself. I am not a scholar but a seeker, so in case I have made any mistake in the translation, please accept my Micchami dukkdam. Ilabhabhi has put a lot of effort in getting this book tegether and I wish her good luck for this kind endeavour and hope that the Jains will take advantage of this book.
Kavita Mehta
I have watched Kavita teach her children about Jainism in a very interesting and lucid style and was therefore keen that she do the translation of the major sutras of Pratikraman. Recently she had a fall and fractured her leg. When I suggested that she translate some sutras for me, she initially hesitated as she was not sure whether she was qualified for it. When she gave me a sample of the translations, I liked the simplicity and asked her to continue. So her fracture was actually a blessing in disguise as it kept her occupied and I got my work done! Rather than a literal translation, she has got the essence of the sutra in her translation, which I think will appeal to the youngsters.
Kavita has always been interested in philosophy, she studied the Bhagwat Gita and then did her Visharad in Jainology, a five year course from Sanmati Tirth, Pune. After this, she did her MA in Indian Religions with a Major and Minor in Jainism from SOAS, University of London.
Ila Mehta
