Studies in Pali and Buddhism (A Memorial Volumes in Honor of Bhikkhu Jagdish Kashyap)

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It is gratifying to write this brief Foreword to the second reprint/edition of Studies in Pali and Buddhism, the book of homage to Bhikkhu Jagdish Kashyap for it is rare indeed to find more than one original edition of 'felicitation' and 'homage' volumes. Moreover the request from publishers has come very timely because some Institutions and individual scholars have been planning for a Birth centenary celebration of Ven. Kashyap in about a years time. I am pleased to note also that the book has attracted the attention of a large number of readers confirming our belief that there is now a much wider understanding of Buddhism in its span of time and space. I take this opportunity to thank the publishers for their interest in republishing it.

Bhikkhu Jagdish Kashyap passed away on the 28th January, 1976 at Rajgir. I received the sad news later by a telegram. Soon after, in consultation with his pupils and friends, I decided to bring out a volume of homage to his memory. An editorial committee was formed and letters inviting contributions for the volume were sent out. The response was overwhelming but I had to put a deadline and disappoint late-corners. The result is this volume of 37 articles on a wide range of topics in Pali and Buddhist Studies written by scholars from various parts of the world. The editorial committee and I take this opportunity to put on record our thanks to all the contributors for their support to, and participation in, the project. I thank Rev. N. Khemapali and T. Bhuripalo for kindly supplying the photograph of Bhikkhu Kashyap for this volume. I am particulary thankful to Miss I.B. Horner and Professors H. Nakamura, H. Bechert, P.S. Jaini, Alex Waymen, C.S. Upasak and N.H. Samtani who kindly accepted my invitation to be a member of the editorial committee and thus became a great source of strength to me in the production of this volume.

I thank Dr. Leonard Z willing and Mr. Roger Jackson for their assistance in editing and proof-reading. Finally I must thank the Publishers and their staff for publishing the volume efficiently.