________________
( 15
)
text-Jaina Darshana : Swaroo? aur Visleshana written by the venerated monk Devendra Muni who belongs to the Svetambara Sthankawasi order. The author of the book is a renowned scholar and outstanding exponent of Jaina Philosophical thought. Devendra Muni's scholarship is astounding and deeply penetrating as is evident in his numerous writings and books written in Hindi, Gujarati and Rajasthani languages. As the author of more than hundred books, Devendra Muni ranks among the world's greatest exponents of Jaina thought.
The present work shows great mastery of the author over not only the doctrine he is expounding but also the realm of Indian thought. The book though primarly concerned with Jaina Darshana, Logic and Metaphysics, allude in the course of explaining its distinctive features to nearly all the other systems of Indian Philosophy. The book contains frequent references to Contemporary Western Philosophical thought. Devendra Muni's exposition is throughout admirable.
The book is divided into six parts dealiog with discussions of Pameya, Pramana and a synoptic study of Jaina Darshana. The Introductory chapter will serve as an excellent aid to the study of the book.
Dr. T. G. Kalghatgi, Professor and Head of the Department of Jainology and Prakrits in the University of Mysore has done a great job by translating into English, Devendra Muni's classical book-Jaina Darshana : Swaroop aur Visleshana written in Hindi, thereby drawing the attention of scholars over the globe to the fascinating domain of Jaina thought.
It is a high standard of editorial competence that is set here in this book by Dr. T. S. Devodoss, Reader in Philosophy at University of Madras.
Devendra Muni's admiration for Lord Mahavira and his teachings and for the civilization which embodied it makes this not only a learned but also a stimulating book. The world of scholars owe a debt of gratitude to Devendra Muni's monumental contribution to Jaina philosophical thought. 25th January, 1979
G. R. DAMODARAN
Vice-Chancellor The University of Madras
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
