Jain Siddant Praveshika is a primer in Jain Philosophy. It is a famous text written by Pandit Gopaldashji Baraiya. The English translation has been done Dr. Kirit Gosalia, USA. The book uses simple question and answer format and provides all basic concepts and their definitions which are needed to have better understanding of various Jain texts. As the book has several hundred questions, over 500 questions have been selected for this course and divided in two parts. Part I has over 250 questions and the balance are in Part II. It begins with the substances in the Universe and types of substances. Each substance with its attributes and modes is explained in detail. As the soul is characterised with knowledge, different types of knowledge are discussed. Various concepts such as consciousness, right faith, right knowledge, right conduct and vitalities are part of the course. Basic definitions of karma, types of karma, subdivisions of karma, good and bad karma and time duration of karma are contained in the text. Knowledge of these concepts of soul, other substances and karma is very essential to understand the environment and conditions in which the soul lives.

Chapter- 1 Substance, Properties and Modifications

Chapter- 2 Nature of Karma

Chapter- 3 Search of Jiva

Chapter- 4 Steps to Salvation

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The program does not specify any restrictions in terms of age and qualifications for taking up a given course. The objective is to make these courses available to anyone with an interest in Jain Philosophy.

However, it is suggested that one should carefully select the course depending on one’s interest in the subject, current level of understanding of Jain Philosophy, experience and educational qualification. The Idea is that one should benefit from the course in terms of usefulness in one’s life, changed perception about things around us and develop deep rooted interest in Jain Philosophy so that one can embark on the path of moksha.

Those who have no exposure to Jain Principles should start with Balbodh or Vitrag Vigyan and later on take Tatavagyan depending on individual aptitude. It is advisable to look at the syllabus before making up the choice. However, some might have primary understanding of Jain Principles can take opt for Jain Siddhant Prashnottarmala to sharpen existing ability. To continue to have interest in Jain Principles requires maturity and prior exposure to these concepts.

If an individual has interest in studying simple Jain text it is advised that one can select Chhahdhala which contains many Jain Principles and describes the path to Moksha in lucid manner. This text is also known as mini – Samaysar. In case you have not read any Jain text, It is better to start with this one. If an aspiring student has already gone through Chhahdhala, one can take Tattvaarthsutra to know more about Jain Principles in a very systematic manner. Those who have exposure to either of these two text, then it is advisable to opt for Samaysar. In absence of knowledge of basic Jain Principles and the terms used in Jain Philosophy, it may be difficult to follow Samaysar. It is our sincere wish that everyone should study Samaysar at some stage so that one can really learn about their own soul and the real path to Moksha.