The Perfect Law

PUBLISHER'S NOTE.

Language fails me when I think of asking the indulgence of the expectant readers, and the learned translator and commentator of this work, to pardon the unpardonable delay in bringing out this book.

Unusual delays are always ascribable to unusual causes. I am not a publisher either by choice, or by profession. The responsibility has been forced upon me by circumstances; and nobody realises more severely and sorely than I do, how very unfitted I am for the discharge of the duties expected of a publisher.

My explanation, good, bad, or indifferent, is that in March 1929 I accepted a Judgeship in the High Court at Bikaner, Rajputana, and it was only during the intervals of leisure that I could attend to the revision and proof-passing of Niyamsāra The Niyamsāra (The Essence of the Rule) is a foundational scripture of Jainism written by Acharya Kundakunda, focusing on the soul's path to liberation.. I resigned the post on the 30th September 1930, returned to Lucknow in October, and in November Dr. Sir Moti Sagar, Kt., LL.D., who had been my intimate friend since early boyhood, suddenly died at Lahore, and having been invited to take up the legal work pending in his office I felt compelled to accept the task. The extremely complicated and highly responsible nature of the work left me little time for anything else. The holidays in this month have enabled me to return to Ajitashram Ajitashram was the personal residence and retreat of Ajit Prasada in Lucknow. and to pen this note.

For such mistakes, inaccuracies and omissions, also, as may have escaped detection I have to crave the indulgence of the generous readers, and the author.

I cannot conclude this note without placing on record my gratitude to Jaina-Dharma-Bhushan An honorific title meaning "Jewel of the Jain Religion." Brahmachari A title for a person who has taken a vow of celibacy and is dedicated to spiritual studies and service. Sital Prasada Ji, who has helped me constantly with advice, suggestions, and general assistance, in all details, great or small, relating to the publication of this, the 9th volume of the Sacred Books of the Jainas.

} **AJIT PRASADA,** } } *Advocate, Lucknow.*