Satapitaka

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SATAPITAKA "The enormous, many-sided and original Sanskrit literature, wbich accompanies and hands down the long history of Indian culture from the remote times of the Vedic hymns up to the present day, must be considered the most valuable treasure the Indian nation has preserved. In this literature the development and history of the whole Indian culture, which has spread wide over its borders, is reflected as in a mirror. Thus Indian literature is not standing alone and isolated, but occupies its due place side by side with the literatures of the other civilized nations. Indian literature is a necessary complement to those. There can therefore be no doubt that the study of Sanskrit literature is not a matter which concerns India alone. As soon as it became known to the Western world, the intrinsic value, originality, independence and importance of Indian literature and culture were acknowledged and recognized at once in all countries where there was interest in the development and history of human science." In the vast sphere of the Eastern world we find everywhere the influence of Sanskrit literature and culture. Considering the fact that the amount of the population in these countries, India included, is above 1200 millions, that is about 50% of the population of the entire world, it becomes obvious that India is playing a leading role in the world's culture. It is the most noble aim of the Satapitaka to rescue from oblivion and destruction not only the entire Sanskrit literature as the original testimony of that wide-spread Indian culture, but also the translations and adaptations of Indian texts, which have been made in the long course of time in different countries. At the same time, the Satapitaka will include volumes on the archaeological remains of these lands. But apart from that the satapitaka intends also to enliven the Indian genius iteelf by reminding everyone of the high standard of Indian culture and literature and of what has been done by the Indian people in all fields of human understanding since the Vedic times upto now. Everybody in India and outside India will therefore acknowledge the necessity of preserving Sanskrit literature as completely