Gommatsara Jiva-Kanda (Sacred Books of the Jainas)

PUBLISHER'S NOTE (CONTINUED)

The entire text of this work, along with Part 1 of the Karma Kanda the section of Jain philosophy dealing with the doctrine of karma, was printed by March 1927. Our supply of feather-weight paper was completely exhausted before we could print the index and title pages. The paper mills had no more in stock and required time to manufacture a new batch, which caused an unexpected delay in the publication of the Gommatasara.

This breakdown was extremely unfortunate. The pain of this mishap was made more poignant by a telegram from Indore announcing the death of Mr. J. L. Jaini. Alas, this great master of Jaina philosophy did not live to see his life's greatest monumental work bound as a complete volume. It saddens my heart to recall the discussions he had with me last May regarding the quality and style of the binding.

This is my first venture as a publisher, and the responsibility was forced upon me by the cruel decree of fate, which took away the founder-publisher of the "Sacred Books of the Jainas" and the incomparable author of two of the most authentic and standard works of Jaina philosophy.

The defects for which I am responsible are too many to escape notice. I have no defense. I confess my shortcomings and throw myself upon the indulgence of this volume's benevolent readers.

The depth and vastness of the knowledge displayed herein, and the thorough, exhaustive analysis of the endless varieties of mental vibrations, are truly amazing and fascinating.

I hope the Gommatasara will prove a real treat for the scholar, the seeker of truth, the Jnani one who possesses spiritual knowledge, and the Dhyani one who practices meditation. For the right believer, it will prove a practical guide to the path of Liberation.

AJITASHRAM, LUCKNOW: }
} AJIT PRASADA,
November 30, 1927. }