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PREFACE
In Juin religious literature there are many stories. These stories are a great heritage of Jainism. They are aimed at teaching good morals for our life. In Buddhist literature we have Jataka Tales. In Hinduism, many stories are narrated in Vedic and puranic literature. In the same way, stories occupy a prominent place in Jain literature. They are known as "Kathanuyoga”i.e. introduction in the form of stories to teach religion. From the earliest time of the Agamas till to-day, the heritage of stories has been preserved in an unbroken tradition. This includes - Uttaradhyayana, Sutra, Jnatadharinakatha, Trisasthisataka - Purusa - Charitra, Samaraditya Katha, Prabhavaka Charitra, Upadesa- prasada etc.
In this modern age attempts are made to present these stories through books and television serials. But these attempts are made in regional languages. No attempt is made to relate these stories in English language.
To-day many Jain families are living outside India - particularly in U.S.A., England and Africa. For the Jain children born outside India, it is very important that these stories should be made available in simple English. They will enjoy reading these stories and will also learn about their religion. Even children in India studying in English medium schools will love to read these stories in English.
With this intention I prepared some stories in Gujarati language. Shri Ratibhai Shah of Navasari kindly agreed to translate them into English. Dr. Amritbhai Upadhyaya also gave useful suggestions. However due to unavoidable reasons, this publication was delayed.
