We feel immense pleasure in bringing out the present
title, 'The Path of Arhat : A Religious Democracy' authored by Justice T.
U. Mehta, as 63rd volume of Pujya Sohanalal Smaraka Parsvanatha Sodhapitha.
There are a number of books in English on different
branches of Jainism, as well as on specific topics of its different
branches. Most of the works are either theses or scholarly works,
discussing the subject with its minute details. So far as the works, meant
to give a proper understanding of Jaina Philosophy and Ethics, as a whole,
in the light of Jaina Spirituality and Jaina view of life are concerned,
we have few. Though there have been some efforts on the part of Western
Scholars, to write introductory books on Jainism, yet they could not do
justice with it, due to two factors; their biased outlooks towards Jainism
as well as their lack of proper understanding of Jaina tradition. Hence a
need for publication of a book for common men particularly Jainas-living
and brought up on foreign soils and for foreign nationals by one who is
fully aware of Jaina tradition and religion, was being felt since long.
Fortunately Honorable Justice T. U. Mehta has made a fruitful effort in
this direction. He himself has remarked in his note "....my long cherished
idea of writing something on Jainism for all my grand children, who are
reared and brought up in America'.
We hope that his book, will fulfill the demand of the
common English knowing person, who are interested in knowing Jainism
comprehensively in brief time. This work attempts to explain and examine
Jainism and its relevance in modern age, Justice Mehta has presented
Jainism very authentically and lucidly.
We hope readers will find it interesting and will
appreciate the effort of Justice Mehta. If this work arouses the interest
of readers in knowing more about Jainism, we shall consider our effort
worthwhile.
We are very grateful to Justice Mehta for giving this
work to us for publication and also for making generous donation to meet
out major part of the expenses of its publication.
We should thank Prof. Sagarmal Jaina Director, Pujya
Sohanalala Smaraka Parsvanatha Sodhapitha and Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh,
Research Officer, who edited this work and saw it through the press.
The proof-reading of this work has been done by Dr.
Ashok and Mr. S.K. Upadhyaya, Naya Sansar Press, so my thanks are due to
them also, again to the latter for fine printing.
12-2-93. B. N. Jain
Nuchem Plastics Ltd. Secretary
20/6 Mathura Road, Pujya Sohanalala Smaraka
Faridabad. Parsvanatha Sodhapitha
