PREFACE

Teacher Umāsvāmi original: "Āchārya Umāsvāmi." He is the celebrated author of this text, recognized by all Jain sects. was the Chief Disciple of Teacher Kundkund original: "Āchārya Kundkund," the most prominent philosopher-monk of the Digambara Jain tradition. – the most revered Teacher in the sorrowful original: "duṣṣama," referring to the fifth era of the current time cycle in Jain cosmology, characterized by a decline in spiritual purity and height. division of the present descending cycle of time, whose works have been possible to document and preserve. Teacher Umāsvāmi lived in the second century AD.¹

The above cited work states that a special feature of Teacher Umāsvāmi’s Aphorisms on the Nature of Reality original: "Tattvārthsūtra." is that it is the first Jaina scripture written in the Sanskrit language Earlier Jain scriptures were primarily written in Prakrit, the common vernacular.. Most learned and venerable Teachers including Venerable Pujyapāda original: "Shri Pujyapādasvami.", Teacher Akalanka original: "Shri Akalankasvami.", and Teacher Vidhyanandi original: "Shri Vidhyanandisvami." have written extensive commentaries on the Aphorisms on the Nature of Reality. The Attainment of All Meanings original: "Sarvārthasiddhi.", The Royal Commentary original: "Rājavārtika.", The Verse Commentary original: "Ślokavārtika.", and The Illumination of Meanings original: "Arthaprakāṣika." are all commentaries on this scripture. The work is of great value for the beginner as well as for the learned. Its composition has great charm. Each aphorism original: "Sūtra," a concise rule or statement intended to be memorized. is composed in the fewest possible words and can easily be memorized. Many Jains recite these aphorisms.

In his Foreword to Reality Professor A. Chakravarti writes:

The Attainment of All Meanings by the venerable Pujyapāda is the oldest extant
commentary on the Aphorisms for Understanding the Nature of Reality original: "Tattvārthādhigama Sūtra." by Teacher
Umāsvāmi.
It is noted for its depth of thought and simplicity of
expression. This famous work is a compendium of all
aspects of Jaina Religion and Philosophy. The author’s
literary skill is evident in the charm and beauty of his style.
His mastery of philosophic thought is clear from his lucid
exposition of the complex reality. The greatness of the work
can be realized from the fact that the great logician, Teacher Akalanka original: "Shri Akalanka Deva.", thought it fit to base his well-known
commentary, The Royal Commentary, on The Attainment of All Meanings.²