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FOREWORD
atvarch Sutra is rightly termed and known as Jainn Bible and enjoys the unique distinction of being icgarded as an authorita. te 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 Prasadl from the central Jain Publishing House Arrah as Volume II of the sacred books of the Jains, The publication soon got cxhausted and for the last 15 y cars copies of this publication were not at all availablc. We had a great longing to bring out a second edition and were in contact with the Trustees ot R. BIL Jaini Trust but our cfforts did not hear fruit.
Somc cnthusiastic Juins wishing to avail of the presence in the Capital of India of over 800 delegatcs of 80 countrics of the world in UNESCO Conference and 100 delegates to the Buddhism scminar thought of holding , seminar on Jainism and universal pence and Ethibition of Jain Art and Culture One of the main items for the seminar was presentation of standard vocks on Jainism to the national labraries of foreign countries and to the cmminent dclegates of UNESCO Conference and Buddha Jayanti
The idea was talked over to Shri 103 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 huis zeal and untiring efforts Under his direction a few benevolent Jains readily came forward to donate for the entire poper required for this publication Acharya Shri under his direct supervision got the tout typed for press purposes and looled 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 fer the publication having been so arranged upon we took it ourselves to go in for this much needed publication
