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Tattvārthasūtra
and ways of exposition peculiar to Sanskrit, which, in a literal translation into English, would appear mechanical repetition instead of heightening the charm of the work as they do in Sanskrit. I have endeavoured to make my translation a true and faithful rendering into English of the Sanskrit original, without violating the idiom and genius of the English language..."
Having experienced, first-hand, the tediousness of letterpress composing, I cannot but marvel at Professor Jain's perseverance in faultlessly producing the book not only with original Sanskrit sūtra but also with proper diacritical marks.
I have unashamedly excerpted from Professor Jain's magnum opus – 'Reality' - while undertaking the present translation. Due to my overwhelming reverence for it, at many places, I had to almost reproduce full sentences from it. I had no choice; pure gold must be retained as it is. Errors committed in improper reproduction are mine; wherever I could improve upon the text, the credit goes to the foundation provided to me by my predecessor.
Precious Contribution from an Authority
Dr. Chakravarthi Nainar Devakumar As the present volume was nearing completion, I was scouting a scholar with deep knowledge of 'Tattvārthasūtra' and 'Sarvārthasiddhi', proficient in the Sanskrit as well as the English language and, willing to spend time with me going through the voluminous manuscript. A tall order indeed!
I had known Dr. Chakravarthi Nainar Devakumar for the past couple of years and was aware of his deep interest in the Holy Scripture. Occasionally, we would exchange ideas, over phone, about a few tenets contained in sacred texts including "Tattvārthasūtra', Svayambhūstotra', 'Pravacanasāra', 'Istopadeśa', 'Ratnakarandakaśrāvakacāra' and 'Atmānuśāsana'. His command over the Sanskrit language was evident. His rendering of 'Tattvārthasūtra', available in
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