Jain Digest 2001 03 Vol 18 No 02

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

Page 15

V. R.Gandhi's Literature(cont.)
young age of 22. When his father died in 1890, he did not allow the primitive practices of wailing and breast-beating during mourn ing. He continuously fought against social evils and was successful in eradicating some.
6. The Unknown Life of Jesus Christ
Shri Virchand Gandhi wrote this book by translating an ancient manuscript. The book was published in India in 1894 while he was in Chicago.
7. Savirya-dhyan
Shri Virchand Gandhi translated the first two chapters of the original text "Jnanarnav" written by Acharya Shubhachandra. The translation was published in the book called Savirya-dhyan in 1903. 8. Concentration
This small book consisting of 64 pages was first published in 1916. It contains a summary of Shri Virchand Gandhi's 12 lectures on meditation according to Jain tradition. He describes that the need of meditation is to attain mental peace and to rise above feelings of worry and anxiety. Next he explains the basic rule governing the practice of meditation.
It can be said that Gandhi was a formidable champion of Jain philosophy, a brilliant exponent of the systems of Indian philosophy, and a fervent lover of Indian culture. He was the most astounding scholar with a versatile personality combined with a catholicity of outlook. Various publishers republished most of his literature in 1993 on the occasion of the 2nd parliament of world religions conference.
(VR Gandhi's contribution ....(cont from page 10)
he achieved his objectives and got the factory closed down. He brought the dispute regarding the temple at Kavi to a happy resolution. He attended the International Commerce Conference as an all-Asia delegate. As a delegate from Bombay, he attended the Indian National Congress held at Pune in 1895. He was a strong advocate of Rashtriya Mahasabha or the congress. He seems to have come in intimate contact with Mahatma Gandhi. In a letter written to V. R. Gandhi's son, Gandhiji sends his blessing and asks
'Have you adopted any ideals of your father?"
Virchand Gandhi passed away in 1901 when he was only thirty seven. He rendered yeoman service to India and Jainism by interpreting Indian culture and religion in its true spirit to the western worlds. In this respect he enjoys the pride of place in the galaxy of Indian thinkers and philosophers and his name will continue to be remembered as a great champion of Jain religion.
MESSAGES FOR
2600TH JANMA KALYANAK CELEBRATION
Voices from all over the world have rejoiced in celebration of the 2600th Janma Kalyanak or Birth Anniversary of Bhagwan Mahavir.
Jain community throughout the world is participating in the celebration that was kicked off in New Delhi, India on April 6, 2001. The following are excerpts from some messages from the dignitaries that were received by various Jain organizations:
From Vatican City- (From Secretary of State at Vatican in Rome addressed to Mr. R. P. Chandaria in U.K.)
"His Holiness Pope John Paul II was pleased to learn that the followers of the Jaina Dharma are celebrating the 2600th Anniversary of the birth of Vardhaman Mahavira, and he sends good wishes to all taking part in the celebration on 7 April in London..... His Holiness has stressed that all religious man and women of every kind must work together for peace..."
From United States Senator Hon. George V. Voinovich from Ohio:
"I am pleased and honored to take this opportunity to recognize all those joined today to commemorate the 2600th birth (anniversary) of Lord Mahavira. The year 2001 has been designated the Year of Ahinsa. In today's celebration we must all strive to help achieve individual peace and peace as a community...."
From Buckingham Palace, U.K.:
"I am very pleased to have this opportunity to congratulate the Jain Community on the 2600th anniversary of the birth of Lord Mahavira ...."
From Hon. Robert Taft, Governor of the State of Ohio: "I want to extend my warmest greetings to the Jain community... as you celebrate the 2600th anniversary of the birth of Lord Mahavira...."
From the State of Ohio House of Representatives:
"On behalf of the members of the House of Representatives of the 124th General Assembly of Ohio, we are pleased to extend special recognition.....on the auspicious occasion of the birth of Lord Mahavira..."
(Editors Note: Please forward messages related to the celebration of the 2600th Janma Kalyanak that your organization may have received for publication in the Jain Digest.)
JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 2001/13 www.jainelibrary.org