Shanti Lal Jain
We have made significant progress in the industrial and technological development. The standard of living and our life style have undergone significant changes in the past decades. Communication is so fast that distances have lost all the significance. We can contact anyone anywhere in a matter of few minutes. These are very exciting developments. Contrary to such phenomenal development, our moral and ethical values have considerably eroded. We have no time to provide the basic concept of religion to our new generation. The vast majority of our children are made to go to English medium convents. As a result they do not have any opportunity to understand or study the basics of our religion. We have so far not provided any book in simple English, which could help the youngsters to achieve some moral elevation under present scenario to meet this changing requirement.
Several Jaina scholars and middle class house holders have been requesting the Disciple of Ācārya Shri Vldyāsāgarji most reverend and learned scholar of Digambara sect, Munī Shree Kshamasāgarji, to fulfill this need. Munī Shree, with his potential scientific and technological background, is known for his knowledge of Jaina principles and scriptures. He is always thinking of the welfare of the entire humanity in general and his followers in particular. He is stressing that if we can bring change in our attitudes, we can bring change in our life style. This attitudinal change can be easily achieved if we are able to inculcate in the young children the right message of universal love, purity in our thinking and straight and Simple life style, all based on Jaina concept. With his blessings, inspiration and continuous guidance, we have attempted to bring out this small book. Munī Shree has devoted several hours on several days to review the material and has even written himself some of the chapters in simple language. We have no hesitation in stating that our contribution is negligible compared to the contribution of Munī Shree. We can only hope that we would continue to be blessed by him in future also.
We have made some humble attempts to provide illustrations for our younger generation, so that they can easily understand and grasp the basic concepts of Jaina religion and its code of conduct. Attempt has been made that all material in this book conform to the basic principles depicted in our scriptures. Although, the primary aim in compilation of this book is to serve the needs of young children, we are sure it would be very useful even for those adults who intend to understand the basic principles of Jaina religion so as to follow the spiritual path.
This being our first attempt in bringing out such books, shortcomings could not be ruled out. As our main object is to develop respect for human values in the younger generation, we would welcome suggestions from our esteemed readers in fulfillment of this objective.
We have taken help in compiling this book from several books.
A list of such books is given at the end. We are very grateful to all the authors and publishers. Shri V.K. Jain, Chairman, M.P. Pollution Control Board and former Engineer-in-Chief of Public Health Engineering Department, Bhopal (M.P.) and Shri Suresh Jain, lAS, Government of Madhya Pradesh and Honorary Managing Director of Vidyāsāgar Institute of Management, Bhopal have worked tirelessly for the preparation and review of all the chapters of this book. Artist Shri Uday Khare has prepared illustrative sketches appearing in this book. With the inclusion of these illustrations, the usefulness of this book has certainly enhanced. Assistance of my distinguished colleagues and the contribution of Artist Shri Khare has gone a long way and I have no words to express my gratitude. Intact, the book would not have been completed but for the continuous efforts of my Editorial Advisors.
Ācārya Vidyāsāgar Sansthan and its organ Jñānodaya Vidyāpeeth are active in promoting social and cultural values in the society under the able leadership of its Honorary Managing Director Shri Suresh Jain, lAS, Government of Madhya Pradesh. My thanks are due to Shri Suresh Jain for volunteering to shoulder the responsibility of publishing this book.
S.L. Jain
E-3/185, Arera Colony,
Bhopal, India.
