________________
328
ANOTHER INDIAN RELIGION.
In pursuance of the liberal policy outlined at the inception of Mind, we present as the leading article of this number a contribution from the pen of Virchand R. Gandhi, of Bombay. Mr. Gandhi is eminent in his own land as a scholar and teacher, and has achieved by his lectures in this country, since the year of the World's Fair a wide reputation for sincerity, candor, and ability in the presentation of the esoteric truths of Jainism. The number of adherents of this Eastern rem ligion is nearly five millions, and many of its features have commanded it to thoughtful minds among all races.
Part of the mission of our contributor is to correct the numerous misconceptions regarding Oriental philosophy in general and Jainism in particular that have gained currency in Western thought and literature. For instance, we are repeatedly told that it is customary for certain fanatics deliberately to seek death by allowing the car of Juggen-nath to run over them. "There is a certain heavy stone car.” said Mr. Gandhi in a recent lecture, "that once every twelve years is dragged by bundreds of people from the river to the Temple. A
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org