Prof. Muni Mahendra Kumar
The cosmological order is an enigma in itself. To make it the subject of a thesis is even a more intricate enigma. Man, however, is endowed with the competence to solve it. Muni Mahendra Kumar Ji has made a humble effort for this. He is competent to undertake studies and research in the fields of three diverse disciplines - Jain Canonical Literature, Philosophy and Science, and indeed, he has attained success in his effort through this trinity.
All Jain Acharyas are unanimous about the size of the Universe, but they differ in their opinions regarding the shape. The Acharyas of the Shvetambara tradition however could not furnish an acceptable mathematical solution which could define the exact shape. Acharya Virasena, the veteran mathematician of the Digambara tradition, attained success in finding out the exact mathematical solution. But this solution was still lacking in fulfilling all the fundamental assumptions of the Digambara tradition.
Muni Mahendra Kumar Ji has eventually attained success in finding out the shape of the Universe through modern mathematical approach. This new shape fulfils all the fundamental assumptions of the Digambara tradition, which were also acceptable to Acharya Virasena and also to the Acharyas of the Shvetambara Tradition.
It is a matter of ecstasy for us that Muni Mahendra Kumar Ji is adept in utilising all the three - Philosophy, Science and Mathematics - equally well. His genius is also very significantly helpful in our research-work in Jain Canonical Literature. It is explicity evident inthe creation of the present treatise - The Enigma of the Universe. I wish - May his talent which he has used in solving this intricate enigma go on developing continuously and let him apply it in the further research in the field of Jain Canonical Literature.
11th March 2010
Shri Dungargarh (Rajasthan)
Acharya Mahaprajna
