Traverses on Less Trodden Path of Indian Philosophy and Religion

Author(s): Yajneshwar S Shastri
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

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Traverses on less trodden path...
dane life, and the process of attaining absolutely an unperturbed state of spiritual calmness through complete non-attachment to worldly objects.
The distinctive value of this work is that it is by a person in whom saintliness is combined with profound scholarly aptitude and insight. The whole work is instinct with the prophetic vision of a seer and the expression, too, is so lucid and poetical that a new life has been breathed into the dry bones of pbilosopbical and eithical discussion, Umāsvāri, here, looks no more like a dialectical metaphysician. He realised that not all are qualified to study philosopby which requires higher level of intellect combined with profound knowledge of different branches of sciences. It is beyound the reach of common man. his book is written with the intention to inform common people atout the truth of life as preached by ) nas. The main object of this work is to point out the practical and scientific path of self-realisation as laid down in the Jināgamas by the Tirthankaras who rose to the height of perfection with its aid. This work is not only limited for preaching philoso. phical and moral principles, but it shows the true way of life which must inevitably lead to a vision in which the individual realises bis own pure, perfect, blissful and self- luminous Arman. It teaches us that if deliverance is to be achieved, certain moral codes are to be followed, and it requires firm Faith in the Jinavcana, Knowledge of Jaina doctrines and Right Conduct.
Though the central topic is vairāgya, there is scope for side topics which are subordinate, and complementary to central topic. This work is not a philosophical treatise, but the learned author steeped in Jaina doctrines has stuffed this work with manifold details whereby this work has become a veritable compendium of Jainism. He deals with these philosophical topics like a moralist poet. Nowhere the author tries tn show his profound scholasticity and throughout the work he takes the reader into his confidence and sincerely preaches in homely manner without entering into dry field of logical argumentation. The nature of work is such that the author never feels the necessity of logical defence of the principle which he is enunciating. The exposition of subject. matter is very systematic and some times he takes resort to similes to make his teaching effective. 20
His style is very simple, but the current of his expression is very forceful. His explanation of Jaina philosophical and ethical conceptioos in simple terms is special feature of this work. He handles the Jaina technical terms and conceptions in a natural and easy manter, 20. Ibid. 4, 9-11, 28, 41-15, 67, 107, 135, 140-41, etc.