Book Title: Balavbodh Mokshmala
Author(s): Mansukhlal Ravjibhai Mehta
Publisher: Mansukhlal Ravjibhai Mehta

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Page 21
________________ that both Mahavira and 'Buddha were different personages, their *principles were quite different nd the belief of European scholars, that Jainism was the offspring of Buddhism was not well founded. He said, that in the Jain manuscripts, of two thousand years old, it was clearly stated that the Great Mahavira and the Great Buddha were hard religious competitors. Shriinad had also maintained that the two chief sects of Jainisin,-the Digamber and the Swetambara-were the outcome of irregular condition of the country. The above short sketch of his life is sufficient to show that, Shrimand Rajchandra was in every way a remarkable man. His mental powers were ext; aordinary. At the same time the moral elevation of his character was equally striking, His regard for truth, his adherance to the strictest moral principles in business, his determination to do what he beli. eved to be right, in spite of all opposition, and his lofty ideal of duty, inspired and elevated those who came in contact with him. His exterior was not mposing, but he had a serenity and gravity of his own. On account : of his vast and accurate knowledge of religions and philosophy, his wonderful powers of exposition and his lucid delivery, his discourses were listened with the utmost attention. His selfcontrol under irritating circumastances was so complete, his persuasive powers so great, and his presence so inspiring, that those who came to discuss with him in a defiant and combative frame of mind, returned quite humiliated and full of admiration. Shrimad Rajchandra deplored the present condition of India, and was always solicitous for its amelioration. His views on the social and political questions of that day were liberal. He said there ought not to be any thing like caste. distinction amongst the Jains, as those who were Jains were all ordered to lead similar life. Among all the agencies for reform, he assigned the highest place to the religious reformer, working with the purest of motives and without ostentation,

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