Book Title: Atmanandji Jainacharya Janmashatabdi Smarakgranth
Author(s): Mohanlal Dalichand Desai
Publisher: Atmanand Janma Shatabdi Smarak Trust
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Gyandas Jain
A. The need for that lies in this that it is only after an unbiassed
study of comparative religion with a balanced mind and a calm consideration of the Tatva', that one can discover the right course and the essential trutlis."
(Chicago Prashnottar P. 86) "Q. What are the short-comings of various religions ? A. The Jaina Dharma is faultless. But the physical health and the
inental soundness of the present day Jains is far from being such as to euable them to follow the way to salvation as ordained by the Lord Jinendra. Their other failings are that there is no effort among them for education, that there is no unity and that even Sadhus' are demoralised by mutual jealousy."
(Chicago prashnottar. P. 93. ) "Q. How should the King and the customs be followed ? A. We should obey the Kivg when his orders are just and should
follow the customs that are for the good of the right-minded. The customis whose non-observance would make the cause of this country, town or society suffer or whose 101-observance would thereby render harm to our well-being spiritual and physical, should be adhered to aud none other."
(Chicago Prashnottar. )
* What a liberality of views! What a mental poise aud a craving for the truth! But what about ourselves? We know not our owu religion and our own faith is shaking for that reason. To study comparative religion and then to turn, by our sweet and intelligent persuation, the 1101-believers into Jains would be a mere dream for us all. Our sadhus also seem to be afflicted with intellec!ual indigestion. Study of the Jain and non-Jain Scriptures hardly suits their mental constitution.
The enlivening voice of the enlightened heart that sang "सब में ज्ञानवन्त बड़वीर" does not shake us from our stupor.
* This is the diagnosis of a competent physician. The disease is getting on to be incurable but his prescription still frightens us as being bitter. If any one attempts the treatment, he in damned as an outcaste, a tebel and as a 'Shasandrobi.
$ A brief tut an adequate note of warting to enlighten the devotees of the antiquated customs that sap today the very life-blood of the country and the society.
Shatabdi Granth ]
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