Acknowledgement

For the accomplishment of this work, I wish to express deep appreciation to all those who have helped me during my work of completion of this thesis and to take it to the destination in various ways, without whom, my thesis would not see the light of the day.

First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my guide Prof. Dr. Shriram Agashe, a great inspiration to the entire community of Yoga students, who not only motivated and guided me like a true Guru but also provided all energy, knowledge and boost to complete this research work. Without his help, it would have been impossible to fulfill this task. I am highly indebted to Dr.Kala Acharya, Director of K.J.Somaiya Bharatiya Sanskriti Peetham, Dr.Lalita Namjoshi and entire staff and co-teachers at Peetham, my second home, for their continuous support and cooperation. I am also indebted to Guruji Shrikrishna Vyavahare (Annaji) and Ghantali Mitra Mandal, who pulled me to the field of Yoga with their virtues and values, 25years back. I am sincerely grateful to Dr.Madhusudan Penna, who inspired me to take up this topic out of many choices. Besides, I am grateful to my teachers and Yoga experts Dr.Ganesh Rao and Shri Niranjan Gogia. Also my since thanks to Jain scholars like Shri Suresh Gala, Dr.Kokila Shah for their continuous guidance.

Pujya shri Kirtichandra Maharaj, founder of Shantiniketan, Tithal and other great Jainacharyas like the head of Swetamber monks Pujya Jaighoshsuri, Pujya Jagvallabhsuri, Agama expert Pujya Labdhichandra sagarsuri, Pujya Muktivallabhsuri have always been sources of inspiration and continuous flow of guidance in knowing and understanding the basic principles given in Jain Agamas. I am indeed grateful to them.

I take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to my parents, better half Bhavna, better manifestations Dr.Chirag-Dr.Jimish, and other family members for providing constant inspiration, fuel and encouragement throughout this Jnana-yatra. I am also grateful to my co-students Suvarna and Vikas and few friends for various suggestions and encouragement to take this journey towards destination.

May all those mentioned above and whose names are hidden gain full merits and virtues accrued from this work, all the depth of my silent gratitude to you.