Philosophy In Jain Agams: Translator's Note

'Jain Āgamo mein Darśana' is a work that tries to bring out the portions of Jain Āgamas dealing with major issues of philosophy such as metaphysics, ethics, soul, etc. with expanded and critical discussions. At the same time, this text is challenging for initiators and those who are already somewhat familiar with Jainism are therefore sure to gain. I suppose such a book would serve the higher grade readers of philosophy because this book is highly technical and discusses the topics on Jainism including primary sources. The considered subjects have been brought to discussion with a very fine complicity. I congratulate the author Dr. Samani Mangal Pragya (now Sadhvi Mangal Pragya) to come up with such a profound treatise on Jainism.
In the translation, as usual we find a problem of both cultural and linguistic gap and a translator is expected to bridge it. Thus in this translated version, some of the pre-considerable points for readers are as follows-

1. Some of the terminologies could not be replaced with one word or substituted in the target language because such words represent a whole theory in themselves. Hence, those terms have been placed in original form. Few terms like Gaṇadhara, nishadya, pṛthvikaya etc. can be translated but I feel it is better to put the original words and clear off the meaning rightly at the place of first mention or in the glossary than employing English-translated words every time. Even then, it is not always the case.
2. A supplementary glossary containing the technical terms is appended at the end of this book for reader's ready reference. Glossary containing the technical terms would rather help the readers to get into the real meaning of the terms.
3. Abbreviations like 'v' for verse, 'A' for Aphorism and 'S' for sütra are employed in references.
4. In footnotes some very long quotes have been concised by inserting three dots in the space of deleted quotes.
5. For the translation of few quotes from āgamas, the English translated version of Bhagavaî and   Ācārāṅga Bhāṣyaṃ and for preparing glossary Jain Pāribhāṣika Śabda Koṣa have been used, In the   preparation of Bibliography Chicago style of referencing is applied. Original resources consist of a major part of Bibliography. Thus, no distinction is made for primary and secondary sources. Diacritics followed by the list of words begin with Non-Diacritic alphabet order.                                                                                          

My humble salutations to Param Pujya Acharya Shri Mahashraman whose pious energy is functioning behind all our initiatives, I seek his blessings. I will always remain indebted to Sadhvi Pramukha Shri Kanakprabha and Mukhya Niyojika for constant inspirations and guidance. I appreciate timely co-operation of Shri Surendra Ji Choraria, Former President of Jain Vishva Bharati for bringing this book in present form.
I also thank Shri Dharam Chand Ji Lunkad, President of Jain Vishva Bharati and Shri Rajendra Khater, Director of Jain Vishva Bharati for making effort of publish this book.
I have tried my best to keep the language very simple and also put the original sense of the author in the translated version. Scholars are kindly requested to point it out to me, if anywhere I have missed. I would really appreciate that. I am grateful to Mr. Vikas Garg and Rajiv Bhai from London for providing valuable suggestions, reviewing the content and editing the language of the translated script. I extend my thanks to Mrs. Madhumita Guha for bringing this book in publishing form.

Sadhvi Rajul Prabha