Jain Digest 2014 11

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

Page 15

Ghandi, before ghandi
JAIN DIGEST
Historical background: Today in western countries, many are The 1893 World's Parliament of Religions, was held on the shore familiar with Jain religion. But things were different in 1890's, of Lake Michigan, Chicago. For East Indian Delegates a dinner when majority of western people were unaware about existence was arranged by Rev. J. Henry Barrows and William Pipe before of any such religion. Then India was ruled by British Raj and commencement of 1893's parliament which was attended by sailing outside India was a challenge. In 1893 to celebrate the Virchand Gandhi and other Indian delegates 400th anniversary of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus, magnificent World's Columbian Exposition was Exposition's centre of attraction was first Ferris wheel and other organized. In 1880's Chicago, St. Louis, New York and was Congress of World religions. The parliament was held at the Washington, D.C. all had submitted bids to host the 1893 Columbus Hall of the Art Institute of Chicago with more than exposition and finally Chicago had won same. A number of 7000 delegates of different nations and religions participating. congresses were held in conjunction with the exposition. The The conference lasted 17 days. Parliament had commenced on World's Congresses were outlined by Mr. Bonney who was 11th September, 1893. It was dominated by English speaking incharge of working committees.
Christian representatives, who delivered 153 of 194 speeches.
Opportunity for the leaders from other religious traditions was The World's congress of religions was the largest of the congresses limited, although significant. Twelve speakers represented held in conjunction with the Exposition. In 1891, committee of Buddhism, 11 Judaism, 8 Hinduism, 2 Islam, 2 Parsi, 2 Shintoism, The Parliament of religions had globally sent invitation to selected 2 Confucianism, 1 Taoism and 1 Jainism. Christianity dominated. distinguished representatives of all faiths, to bring together in Many Christian leaders declared theirs as the best religion and conference, for the first time in history, the leading representatives that one can't have entry in the kingdom of heaven unless one is of the great historic religions of the world. It was promoted that a Christian. Faith in one God and the sacrifice of Jesus to wash main aim of such conference was to promote human brotherhood the sins of man was highlighted often. To this extent it was fine among religious men of diverse faiths. From Jain community but many speakers in an over-enthusiasm attacked the beliefs and originally well-known and highly respected Munishree Atma traditions of other religions. However, there were many Christian Ramji alias Acharyashree Vijayanandsuriji was invited to speakers like Prof. Robert, Wolivunski, Henry Infield, George represent Jainism and whole Jain community. He was then highly Hood Don Boardman who appreciated the oriental religions and revered as high priest of Jain community worldwide. Muni also the depth to which they have reached. The organizers had Atma Ramji could see centuries ahead of time and was highly even expressed a desire to hold the next parliament at Varanasi in revered by non Jains too. He had written several Jain treatise. India. Rev. Chepin admitted, "We want to learn, sitting at the feet Many eminent western scholars like Dr. A. F. Rudolf Hoernele of those gentlemen, full of wisdom, who come from the East". were impressed by him. Muni Atmaramji was then appointed as a member of Advisory Council of the Parliament of the Religions In Rev. J.H.Barrow's & Richard Seager's book on such to be held in Chicago in 1893. On the 21st page of "The World's parliament, Virchand Gandhi's following speeches are recorded: Parliament of Religions," published in London, there is a photo a.) Welcome speech on Opening Day in afternoon session of the Muniji Maharaj bearing the following eulogy.
(September 11, 1893) (Applause)
b.) Speech on the philosophy and ethics of the Jains. "No man has so peculiarly identified himself with the interests of c.) A patriotic speech in reference to the allegations of the the Jain Community as Muni Atmaramji. He is one of the noble previous day against the morality of the Hindu religions (audience bands sworn from the day of initiation to the end of life to work applauded on his every word) and same was followed by speech day and night for the high mission they have undertaken. He on The History and Tenets of the Jains of India' (September 25, is the High priest of the Jain community and is recognized as 1893) the highest living authority on Jain Religion and literature by d.) a closing speech whereby Virchand Gandhi was greeted with Oriental scholars.
much applause as he came forward to speak on last day.
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The principles of right conduct for a Jain monk prevented him from going abroad. On humble request of William Pipe, Rev. John Henry Barrows (Parliament's committee members) & suggestion of his own disciple Acharya Shree Vijayvallabhsuriji , Muni Atmaramji trained and deputed 28 year old Shri Virchand Raghavji Gandhi as his representative to represent Jain religion and Jain community. By then VRG had successfully resolved important issues for Jain Tirths like Shatrunjay Teerth, Sammet shikharji Teerth and Makshi Teerth and was Secretary of Jain Association of India.
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etao TT VIRCHAND RAGHAVJI GANDHI
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