The book ‘Lord Mahavira’, by Dr. Bool Chand was first published in 1948 by
Jaina Cultural Research Society which has been merged into P.V. Research
Institute. The book was not only an authentic piece of work done in a
historical perspective but also a popular one, hence it became unavailable
for sale soon. Since long it was so much in demand that we decided in
favor of brining its second Edition. Except some minor changes here and
there, the book remains the same. Yet a precise but valuable introduction,
depicting the relevance of the teachings of Lord Mahavira in modern world
has been added by Dr. Sagarmal Jain, the Director, P.V. Research
Institute. As Dr. Jain has pointed out therein, the basic problems of
present society i.e. mental tensions, violence and the conflicts of
ideologies and faith, can be solved through three basic tenets of
non-attachment, non-violence and non-absolutism propounded by Lord
Mahavira and peace and harmony can certainly be established in the world.
We feel immense pleasure in bringing this book before the readers on the
eve of the Golden Jubilee celebration of the P.V. Research Institute.
We are thankful to Sri Ashok Kumar Singh for its proof reading and to
Vivek printers for its speedy printing.
Bhupendra Nath Jain
Secretary
Sohanalal Jain Vidya Prasarak
Samiti, Amritsar
PREFACE OF FIRST EDITION
In preparing this book, the first large one to be published by Jain
Cultural Research Society, I have been assisted at every step by Pandit
Dalsukh Malvania, Asstt. Prof. of Jaina Philosophy at the College of
oriental Studies, Benares Hindu University. I am deeply indebted to him
for his help.
Sriyut Nathmal Tatia, M. A., Research Scholar, Calcutta University has
very kindly read the proofs and added the concluding chapter, which I had
not been able to complete owing to various preoccupations.
With Pandit Sukhlalji, Pandit Mahendra Kumarji and other Scholars I have
had the benefit of discussing portions of the book. Such discussion has
always been of the utmost help to me. The responsibility for opinions
stated here is, however, fully mine.
23-3-48.
BOOL CHAND.
Philosophy
