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FOREWORD
atvarth Sutra is rightly termed and known as Jaina Bible and enjoys the unique distinction of being regarded as an authorita - tive work by all sections of the Jains.
The first edition of this book with introduction, translation, notes and commentary in English by late J. L. Jaini, M. A, was published in 1920 by Kumar Devendra Prasad! from the central Jain Publishing House Arrah as Volume II of the sacred books of the Jains, The publication soon got exhausted and for the last 15 years copies of this publication were not at all available. We had a great longing to bring out a second edition and were in contact with the Trustees of R B. J. L. Jaini Trust but our efforts did not bear fruit.
Some enthusiastic Jains wishing to avail of the presence in the Capital of India of over 800 delegates of 80 countries of the world in UNESCO Conference and 100 delegates to the Buddhism seminar thought of holding a seminar on Jainism and universal peace and Exhibition of Jain Art and Culture. One of the main items for the seminar was presentation of standard works on Jainism to the national liabraries of foreign countries and to the emminent delegates of UNESCO Conference and Buddha Jayanti
The idea was talked over to Shri 108 Acharya Deshbhushan Ji Maharaj who greatly appreciated it and advised that the sacred works of the Jains should be immediately republished on this occassion The present edition has been possible only because of his zeal and untiring efforts. Under his direction a few benevolent Jains readily came forward to donate for the entire paper required for this publication Acharya Shri under his direct supervision got the text typed for press purposes and looked to the minutest detail at all stages.
Acharya Shri is a Digamber Jain saint of the highest order and is always engrossed in meditation and self study. The community greatly needs teachers like him, under whose able guidance the society can make remarkable progress.
Paper for the publication having been so arranged upon we took it ourselves to go in for this much needed publication.
