What is Jainism

Author(s): T U Mehta
Publisher: Umedchand and Kusumbaben Charitable Trust Ahmedabad

Page 5

PREFACE
During my visit to the United States and Canada in 1993, I found intense desire in the youngsters, as well as many elders belonging to Jain brotherhood, to know more about Jain doctrines, a desire which is not so much in evidence in India. This certainly is a healthy sign for the continuation of Jainism outside of India.
I noticed that the people of Indian origin, who have made USA or
la their permanent home, are anxious not only to retain their own culture but to enrich the American and Canadian cultures which are based on the noble traditions of liberal and scientific thinking.
This trend in the Jain brotherhood has led me to write these outlines of Jainism which, in my understanding, are based on a thinking process which is reasonable and rational. The basic trends of Jainism are founded on the logical analysis of the working of universal mechanism which, if properly exposed, would go a long way to satisfy an inqu mind. I do not know how far I have succeeded in achieving this but if my efforts induce people to know more about the Jain philosophy, it will surely serve my purpose.
Some friends have suggested to me that the formulations of the Jain doctrines tested in my recently published book The Path of Arhat may be better stated in a question and answer format and in simple terminology for those who want elementary knowledge of Jainism, may get it by easy reference. I have found good force in this suggestion and hence I have tried to answer various questions which generally arise in the minds of those who want to know the bare outlines of Jainism. In doing this, I have leaned heavily on my book and have given references to those pages of the book which discuss the relevant topics in greater details. The book is titled “Path of Arhat.”
I would like to deal with more questions on the subject and would Tppreciate further suggestions from the readers of this booklet.
T.U. Mehta "Siddharth" 3, Dada Rokaduath Soc., Narayaninagar, Paldi, Ahmedabad-380 007
Phone : 418816 4