Atmanandji Jainacharya Janmashatabdi Smarakgranth

Author(s): Mohanlal Dalichand Desai
Publisher: Atmanand Janma Shatabdi Smarak Trust

Page 129

Shree Atmaramji and his Mission
inspiration to Indian mind. They confirmed the old Jain families in their faith and attracted new adherents. Another good thing he did was to put himself in correspondence with Western scholars. Many of them had admiration and reverence for his knowledge and spiritual advancement. When religious conference was held in Chicago, he was invited to represent Jainism. But he could not leave his work in India. He therefore arranged to send Shri Virchand Raghavji Gandbi, M. A., M. R. A. S., Bar-at-law, as a delegate to Parliament of Religions. It was due to the direction and teaching of the Swami Maharaj that he could represent Jainism so well. His speech evoked admiration aud respect from all religions, though it was the first attempt of the Jain community to dispel prejudices and false notions so much prevalent in Western countries against Jainism. The first seed of Jainism in foreign countries in the present age was thus sown by Swami Atmaramji and small plant grown then under his fostering care is now being nurtured under trust funds of Late Rai Bahadur J. L. Jaini ( President of the All-India Jain Association) and Dharama Divakar Mr. Champat Rai Bar-at-law of Delhi.
Another important reform, he undertook was to improve the cba1acter of sadhus as well as laymen. He purified the order of monks and urged them to acquire knowledge. Under the Moslem and Brahmanic influence the Jains had taken to several non-Jain practices. He preached against Shradh ceremonials and destruction of caste and expressed himself iu favour of inter-dining aud inter marriage. He constantly reminded people of the true object of worship and persuaded them to give up wrong notions about it. He alzo taught that the various sub-sects of Jains should sink their petty differences and work for the common good.
All of us should pay homage to him as a great scholar, thinker and philosopher, the friend of humanity and join in celebrating his centenary.
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[ Shree Atmaramji