Prof. Muni Mahendra Kumar
In the end, I would like to express my hearty gratitude to Late His Holiness Acharya Shri Tulsi, who had initiated me in Jain asceticism and inspired me to undertake comparative studies in philosophy and science. When my Hindi Version of this book got published in 1969, Acharya Shri Tulsi had strengthened my enthusiasm by applauding my work in his public function at Cape Comorin2. Later on, Acharya Shri Mahaprajna, the 10th Head of the Terapanth, became a source of inspiration for me to continue my research work in the field of Jain mathematics and science. I pay my sincere gratitude to him with all humility. Also, I am extremely grateful to him for giving me his nectarine "Blessings" (see p. iii).
The credit of awakening my spiritual aptitude goes to Late Shri Jethalal S. Zaveri, my father in worldly relations. He himself had made a commendable effort in the field of comparative and critical studies of the Jain Philosophy and Modern Science. On account of the initiatives taken by him, I have been able to undertake deep studies and research in this field. Later on, both of us together worked in the field, as a result of which several books1: co-authored by us were published.
During the long gap of period between my Hindi Version titled "VIŚVA PRAHELIKĀ" and the present English Version, many of my colleague monks have assisted me in various ways. Muni Ajit Kumar, Muni Amrit Kumar, Muni Abhijit Kumar, Muni Madan Kumar, Muni Tattva Ruchi, Muni Dharma Ruchi, Muni Shreyansa Kumar and many other monks also deserve special mention in this respect. Muni Abhijit Kumar, though busy with his doctoral research, has taken pains to prepare the Index, and hence, he deserves more specified acknowledgement. Last, but not the least, I owe thanks to Dr. Samani Mangala Prajna, the then Vice-chancellor, Jain Vishva Bharati University, for her strong persuation to complete the work as early as possible, and also for making arrangements for its publication through Jain Vishva Bharati University.
I hope that this work would not only be interesting for the students of the Jain philosophy as well as modern science, but also be a source of inspiration for them to undertake further researches in the field.
Jain Vishva Bharati, Ladnun
17th Nov. 2009
- Muni Mahendra Kumar
