Jinendra Varni
Sarva Seva Sangh feels immense pleasure in bringing out the English translation of Samaṇ Suttaṁ. Acharya Vinoba ji has brought out the essence of all the religions and their religious works such as The Essence of Christianity, Navasaṁhitā of Dhamma-pada, Kurānasāra, Bhāgavata Dharmasāra,The Essence of the Vedas, The Essence of the Manusmṛti etc. He also wanted to bring out the essence of Jaina religion, prepared by Jaina monks. He consented to go through the collection. Inspired by him respected Śrī Jinendra Varṇi ji undertook the responsibility to prepare its first draft. Initially it was published as Jaina Dharmasāra. Then incorporating the comments and suggestions therein of monks and scholars, a new compilation entiüed Jinadhamma was published. Finally, an assembly was held on 29-30 November in 1974, in Delhi, attended by the Jaina Achāryas and monks, scholars and laymen, representing all the Jaina sects. It is in this assembly that Samaṇ Suttaṁ took its present form.
With the inspiration of Acharya Vinoba ji I (Radha Krishna Bajaj) contacted Āchāryas and monks of all the Jaina sects, with the draft prepared by Jinendra Varni ji. I am very grateful to Acharya Tulsi ji, Yuvāchārya Mahāprajña, Muni Nathmala ji, Acharya Vidyānanda ji and Acharya Sushil Kumar ji who co-operated whole-heartedly. Acharya Janakvijaya ji was able to give little time for it.
Acharya Anand Ṛṣi ji, Upādhyāya Amarmuni ji, Acharya Dharmasāgar ji, Āchārya Vijayasamudra Sūri ji, Muni Santabāl ji and Muni Yaśovijaya ji, all gave their cooperation in some form or the other. We had blessings of Achārya Ramachandra Sūri ji also. Śrī Kānjīswāmy also supported us. It is mentioned in the religious texts that Sarveṣām avirodhena brahmakarma samārabhe, that is, a work ought to be performed with the congregation of all. It is a matter of great pleasure that in its compilation and publication we had co-operation from all and opposition from none.
During the course of last two thousand years, it was for the first time that an unanimous work was published on the eve of 25th Centenary of Nirvana of Lord Mahāvīra. Saint Vinoba ji remarked that impact of Mahāvīra on his mind was second only to the Bhagavadgita.
After the assembly of 1974, in April 1975 the first edition of Samaṇasuttaṁ with Hindi translation was published. Its second edition was published in May 1975, just one month after the first. Third edition was published in 1982. In all 15,000 copies of Hindi editions have been published. The demand for its English translation arose after some time. To bring out an edition with appropriate and upto mark English translation, we have been striving for last twelve years. We have to be very careful in the translation of a religious text to avoid contradiction.
First of all Dr. K.K, Dixit translated it into English. He was, entrusted with the task on the advice of Padmabhūsana Pt. Dalsukhbhai Malvania. Mr. Justice T.K. Tukol also translated it, on the suggestion of Honourable Vice-President of India, Sri B.D. Jatti. Both the drafts were handed over to Dr. Sagarmal Jain, Director, Pārśvanātha Sodhapeeth.Varanasi in accordance with recommendation of late Chimanbhai Chakubhai Shah. On the basis of both the drafts he corrected the translation and prepared this final draft.
The draft prepared by him is being published now. I am very thankful to all of them. I appeal to the learned readers to write us, about the errors in it, to enable us to correct those in ensuing editions.
I find that the publicity of Samaṇasuttaṁ was not at desired level during last 15 years. As far as the English edition of Samaṇasuttaṁ is concerned it was unduly delayed. Respected Vinoba ji and Sarva Seva Sangh have entrusted me the responsibility of bringing out the English edition. I am extremely sorry for this delay.
I wish that Jaina society should take the responsibility of its publication and circulate lakhs of copies of their precious text. The copies of Samaṇasuttaṁ should be with all the temples, monks, scholars and laities. Like Bhagavadgītā each and every house ought to keep it as an essential one for daily reading. Sarva Seva Sangh will willingly hand over the responsibility of its publication to Jaina society with one reservation that no change should be made without prior and explicit approval of prominent Jaina Achāryos of Svetambara, Digambara, Terapanthi and Sthanakavasi Jaina sects.
I will also like to thank Dr. Harihar Singh, Lecturer, Ancient History, B.H.U., who transliterated into Roman, Prakrit gāthās of Samaṇasuttaṁ, which was lost unfortunately. It is the Roman transliteration by Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh, P.V. Research Institute, which is appearing with the text of the English edition. He has also done proof-reading. My thanks are due to him also.
Radha Krishna Bajaj
for Sarva Seva Sangh Prakashan
□ This Second edition is now being published by Bhagwan Mahavir Memorial Samiti on conferment of full rights by Serva Seva Sangh to the Samiti.
