________________
General Editorial
99
details, indicating the positive to be adopted (upādeya) and the negative to be eschewed (heya). The adhikāra IX presents an exhilerating exposition of selfrealization in its different facets, The editor has given an authentic summary of the work in Hindi in his Introduction.
There are some other works having a title more or less similar to that of YSP (see Jina-ratna-kosa, pp. 324 f.) for instance: Yoga-sāra in Apabhramsa by Jogicanda (MDJG, No. 21, Bombay 1922, also as an appendix to the ed. of Paramātma-prakāša, noted above); Yova-sāra-samgraha in Sanskrit by Gurudāsa (MDJG, No. 49, Varanasi, 1967); Yoga-pradipa of an unknown author (Jaina Sāhitya Vikasa Mandala, Bombay, 1960). These are comparatively small texts: they possess neither the extent of YSP (which has 540 verses) nor its rich and varied contents presented in a dignified manner.
The form, mode of treatment and contents of the YSP have a close correspondence with the works of Kundakunda, especially, the Samaya-sāra, Pravacana-sāra, Pañc-āstikāya and Niyama-sāra. The quotations given by Pt. Jugalkisoreji while explaining the contents of YSP fully bear out this. Amitagati is fully saturated with traditional learning and ideas expressed by earlier authors like Kundakunda, Pūjyapāda etc. He has a full control over his Sanskrit expression, and his meditational flashes have something inspiring about them. It is but natural that pious readers of spiritual aptitude have a special fascination for this work.
This edition of the YSP is important not only for its highly religious contents but also for its authoritative exposition in Hindi by a mature and highly thoughtful scholar like Pt. Jugalkishoreji. Pt Jugalkishoreji needs no introducation in the field of Jainological studies; he is past ninety; his contributions on Jaina literature, Jainism and Jaina social problems are rich and cover a period of more than half a century; and in his latest writings, including his Hindi vyākhyā or exposition of YSP, he has given us the very essence of his deep and mature understanding of Jainism. The presentation of the contents of YSP by Amitagati is worthily matched by the precise and yet lucid exposition in Hindi given by Pt. Jugalkishoreji. He entrusted this work to the Bharatiya Jnanpith for its publication in the Moortidevi ). Granthamala; and for this the General Editors feel very thankful to him.
The Moortidevi J. Granthamala has already won the appreciation of oriental scholars at home and abroad, and has made a mark among the Indological publications. We record our sense of gratitude to the founder-patron Shri Sahu Shanti Prasadji and to his enlightened wife, Smt. Ramadevi, for their generosity and progressive policy in the cause of Indian learning. Our thanks are due to Shri Lakshmi Chandraji Jain for his steady efforts to publish these works and also to Dr. Gokul Chandra Jain who is doing his best on the spot to help the printing and publication of these works.
H.L. Jain A.N. Upadhye
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
