These volumes (3 volumes, 825 pages, $30.00; see footnote) are about perception. The kind that comes from knowing what one does not know. It is the basis for recognizing and realizing the real-world potential of self as well as the external reality.
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The first volume is the first English translation of 2000 year-old secular work in Prakrit: the Jeev Samas of Shatkhandagam. The second volume sets the contexts for this work. The third volume described significance of perception in issues such as rationality, knowledge and world view. This e-Book consists of the English rendition along with the Prakrit and Hindi text for the abstract part (first 23 sutr).
One may ask what is the utility of this ancient work? It is about reality-based perceptions, the kind that lead to coherence of human thoughts and words with actions without reliance on ad hoc universals and omniscience. It is based on the conviction that the world is knowable to humans through human efforts and knowledge. It outlines process for reality-based search to develop perceptions that guide humans to create and use shared-knowledge for rationally consistent behavior. It is the enduring message from those who lived by these ideas and interacted with the society at large for 3000 years before this work was written down. Viability of the thoughts, perceptions and the process remains relevant because they have been continuously practiced for 5000 years.
The book has been published on Diwali, the day of
Nirvan of Mahaveer. Recall that the core of this work traces its
origin to the discussions of Mahaveer. The full edition book also contains about 1800
illustrations in original Prakrit and Hindi for swadhyay. We believe
that the book is not useful for those who have given up or know everything.
For all others, it should be useful for ages 8 through 80! The stand
alone CD with e-dictionary for English and key Prakrit terms could be
an excellent gift for the educated and those with access to computers.
Note: Internet access is not required for reading the E-Book.