Saptapadarthi

Author(s): Shivadityacharya, Jinvardhansuri, J S Jetly
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 7

We have great pleasure in inaugurating our new venture with the publication of the first volume of our Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Series. We must thank the Ministry of Scientific Research & Cultural Affairs, Govt. of India, for including this volume and also seven other works in their scheme for Publication of Rare Manuscripts and for giving us the publication grant-in-aid for editing and printing the same.
Preface
Though Śivaditya's Saptapadarthi has been published more than once, its Commentary by Jinavardhana Sūri is being published for the first time. Although it is not certain that this is the oldest Commentary, we can say with confidence that it is the best among the known Commentaries on the Saptapadarthi.
It is no wonder that a Jaina Acarya wrote a commentary on a Vaisesika text, as it was customary for the Jaina authors to assist their pupils by producing good help-books or guide-books on various subjects. One who is acquainted with the Mss. of the Jaina Bhandaras can testify the fact that Jaina monks while reading the text from Mss. not only corrected the Mss. but also wrote some notes in the margin for the guidance of others. Later on such notes became the nucleus for some bigger Commentary. Sometimes the scholar while reading Mss. was not satisfied in writing the short notes in the margin and, hence, there was a birth of a nice commentary like the one under publication.
I must thank Dr. J. S. Jetly for his ready co-operation in editing this volume. I must also thank Shri Jayanti Dalal and Shri Shantilal Shah of the Vasant Press, Ahmedabad, for their co-operation in printing the volume. Pt. Ambalal Shah was very much helpful in correcting the proofs. My thanks are also due to him.
L. D. Institute of Indology
Ahmedabad - 9
11-5-'63
Dalsukh Malvania
Director