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Evolution of Jainism in North America, Achievements and Challenges
DR. SULEKH C. JAIN
Prof. Paul Dundas in his recently published book "The Jains" writes that Jainism, India's and possibly the worlds' oldest Religion is least known and least understood outside India. Jains through the ages have made great contributions to the culture, literature, art, architecture, education, welfare and betterment of the Indian society.
Recently about two months ago an article titled "Radiance of Jainism on Western Horizon" authored by Prof. Noel King of University of California and Dr. Surendra Singhvi of Cincinati was published in JAINA convention souvenier in Pitsburgh. This article deals in great length with the evolution of Jainism in North America.
For our audience here, I would like to touch upon some key points. "Jainas and Jaina scholars did leave India's shore many times during the last 2000 years. In eighteenth and nineteenth century Jainism was somewhat known to the west then some of the Indian books which found their way to Europe and then to New England in U.S.A. These were mostly brought here by Christian Missionaries and scholars."
Our clear and documented story begines 100 years ago in 1893. A New York Times article in Sept. 1893 talked of degnitaries from India who arrived in New York aboard the steam ship PARIS in transit to Chicago to attend the first Parliament of world's Religions. Among them was a Jaina Virchand R. Gandhi who was described as a youngman with a heavy black mustache. To Mr. Pipe-- a reporter of the New York Times Mr. Gandhi explained that Jaina faith was the oldest in the world and that he had great difficulty in leaving Bombay.
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