Book Title: Atmanandji Jainacharya Janmashatabdi Smarakgranth
Author(s): Mohanlal Dalichand Desai
Publisher: Atmanand Janma Shatabdi Smarak Trust
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Gyandas Jain such superior to those of any other. The very idea of the high caste and the low caste is demoralising. All human beings are equal.+
(Jaina Dharma Vishayak Prashnottar Q. No, 17–18) "It is good that Jains keep their sacred books with care but it is at the same time lamentable that they have shut away their grand • Bhandars' like that in Jaisalmer behind stone walls and never care to know if the invaluable treasures have all turned into dust and been lost to the world or any of their traces still remain."
(J. D. V. Prashnottar d. 147.) "Q. Have the Jains no wealth that they do not improve the condition
of their excellent Shatras ? A. They have ample wealth but two of their senses have grown too
powerful and that is why none cares for the libraries. One is the nose and the other the palate. For the former, that is for a name they go on raising temples at a cost of lacs and for the latter they squander away thousands in sumptuous feastings. No one, on the contrary dreams of the decaying literary works and
improving them." "Q. Is there any sin in the erection of temples and in “Sahammi
Vachhals' (common dinners of the brotherhood ) that you forbid them ?
- A. No. These two virtuous things lead one to heaven and even to
salvation but Lord Jinadeva has ordered that the defective or unhealthy 'Dharma kshetra 'should be attended to and ameliorated first. The greatest need of the day is the protection of the decay.
+ The broad Jain Dharma does not admit of tolerating any invidious discrimination between the various classes such as we observe today. Any such distinction tarnishes the fair name of Jain religion, th: unrivalled exponent of equality. What liberal views the great reformer held and with the courage of conviction expressed to widen our narrow vision!
# What a fervent appeal for the reclamation of the little treasure left which also is fast sinking into ruins! Shatabdi Granth ]
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