Jainism The Cosmic Vision

SR No.: 034278
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: Mahavir Foundation
Publication Year: 2008
Total Pages: 137
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 2 MB

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Jainism: The Cosmic Vision Bhagubhai Fatehchand Karbhari published Samalochak and subsequently on 12th April 1903 Jain, the first weekly for Jain Society. This weekly was published initially from Ahmedabad and subsequently from Bombay and now it is published from Bhavnagar. The first fortnightly Jain Subhechchhak was also published by Shri Devchand Damaji Kundlakar from Bhavnagar. The first women's monthly Jain Mahila was also published from Bhavnagar. In the glorious history of Jain journalism the names of Bhagubhai Karbhari, Devchand Damji Kundlakar, Sheth Kumvarji Anandji Kapadia, Vadilal Motilal Shah, Paramanandbhai Kapadia, Gulabchandbhai Sheth, Dhirajlal Tokarshi Shah, Jaybhikhkhu, Ratilal Dipchand Desai and others are memorable. According to a survey of 1977, Gujarati is next to the Hindi language in which the largest number of Jain periodicals are published. Jain periodicals are published not only from such cities as Ahmedabad, Bombay, Bhavnagar and Vadodara, but also from such places as Gandhidham, Deesa, Jamnagar, Chhani, Palitana, Bhabhar, Bhuj, Vadhwan, Songadh and Himmatnagar. (Tirthnakara, Jain periodicals special No. Year 7, No. 4, 5 August September 1977) Such quarterlies as Jain Yuga Jain Sahitya Sanshodhaka and Paratattva have done useful research work in Jain literature and other arts. Pune and Calcutta have also contributed to the publication of Jain periodicals.
Some serial books have done an important work of diffusing and disseminating Jain literature. Here the contribution of Murti Devi Granth Mala, which is published in memory of Shri Shantiprasad Sahu's mother, is noteworthy. Shatkhandagam Jayadhavalra Mahadhavala and other such books, as valuable as Agams, have been systematically revised and
Activities of Jain Religion in the Last Century edited in Sholapur. The publication of Digambar books in Jivraj Gautam Granth Mala under the supervision of Dr. A. N. Upadhye deserves to be mentioned. The Jnanapith Award worth one lakh rupees (tax free) is also symbolic of Jain Sangha's devotion to knowledge and its generosity. The members of his family presented the scheme of this Award on the occasion of Sahu Shri Shantiprasadji's ingress into his fiftyfirst year. The books published by the Jnanapith in three parts, under the title 'Jain Art and Architecture are valuable. (Jain Art and Architecture', Part : 1, 2, 3 by A. Ghosh, Pub. Bharatiya Jnanpith, Delhi, 1974) Shri Gokaldas Kapadia's illustrated book 'Shraman Bhagwan Mahavira' published in collaboration with Rev. Acharya Shri Yashodevsuri and the illustrated book 'Tirthadarshana' can be regarded as memorable books.
Among Jain institution Shri Yashovijayji Granthmala, Shri Atmanand Sabha and Shri Jain Dharma Prasarak Sabha of Bhavnagar made a valuable contribution. Institutions such as the Jivadaya Mandali of Bombay spread the message of ahimsa. As a result of Shri Gulabchand Dhhadhha's efforts, the Shwetambar Conference came into existence in Falodhi in 1958. Next year its grand session was held in Bombay. This institution published a reference book entitled Jain Granthavali. It is of the level of reference books of Jainagam, logic, didactic literature, linguistics, philosopoy, science, etc. This reference book contains lists of books in the libraries of Jesalmer, Patan and Limbdi and these lists are invaluable to scholars. This institution also publishes periodicals and books and it is a noteworthy contribution of the institution.
In 1893 Digambars established the Bharatavarshiya Digambar Jain Mahasabha with its main office at 'Khurai'. In
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