Dr. Samani Mangal Pragya
The incredible treasure of Jain āgamic literature preached by Lord Mahaveer, compiled by Ganadharas, and secured by Jain Acharya, is available to us at present. I extend my reverence to the whole tradition. This unparalleled treasure has been introduced to me by my spiritual Guru Acharya Shri Tulsi, who initiated, educated and nurtured me and further helped me to develop concrete faith towards it. The divine presence of His Holiness always inspired me to keep moving forward in the spiritual endeavor. I offer my devotion to the pious feet of Acharya Tulsi and seek blessings from his pious soul to enlighten my path of spiritual development forever.
The great successor of Acharya Tulsi, ocean of knowledge, eloquent scholar of āgamas is Acharya Shri Mahapragya. Under his able guidance, I got the golden chance to collect the nectar of śruta i.e knowledge. His consciousness with awakened wisdom flared up a lamp of knowledge across the shadow of ignorance existed within me. I feel pleasure to offer gratitude with all my devotion to his feet. Although, I received his direction and guidance in various fields but in writing this thesis, he has rendered his direct guidance that enlightened my path and I could design and develop this research venture. Let the kind, soft and perfect discipline and above all the inspiration of that great soul guide me further in peaceful progress. That is what I wish for myself.
Let the auspicious and spiritual aura of the new and brilliant sun of Terapanth religious sect, Acharya Shri Mahashraman, always enlighten my path of spirituality.
The nun-congregation of Terapanth sect is continually progressing ahead in various fields under the able leadership of Sangh Mahanideshika Sadhvi Pramukha Kanak Prabha. Her timely inspirations have always fuelled up my vigor and enthusiasm for hard working. My hearty and faithful gratitude would remain extended forever to her pious feet.
The affectionate blessings of Sadhvi Animashree and best wishes of Sadhvi Sudhaprabha have always acted as signboards for further progress in my spiritual and academic life.
The former Vice chancellor of Jain Vishva Bharti University, Prof. Bhopal Chandra Lodha inspired me with his insistence for conducting this research work which remained the prime cause to begin this work.
The renowned scholar of Vedic philosophy and Jainism, Prof. Dayanand Bhargava, has enriched me with his fount of knowledge and experience. His efforts and timely inspirations and guidance have made it possible to provide the thesis in its present form.
I am grateful to Prof. Abhiraja Rajendra Mishra, Vice chancellor of Sampurnanand Sanskrit University and Prof. Ray Ashvini Kumar, for writing the foreword for this book. The timely co-operation of Dr. Harishankara Pandey would always remain memorable for me.
For writing this thesis, I have referred to several works of scholars. I am indebted to all of them. My doctoral dissertation titled 'Significance of philosophical thinking in Jain āgamas presented to the readers with the title, 'Philosophy in Jain āgamas.' I hope that this text would stand helpful for serious and curious readers and I wish for myself that this journey of śruta would continue in my life.
With best wishes
27, April 2005
Samani Mangal Pragya
Director
Mahadevlal Saraogi Anekānt Shodh Pitha
Jain Vishva Bharati Institute
Ladnun - 341 306 (Raj.), India
