Book Title: Jain Philosophy
Author(s): Virchand R Gandhi
Publisher: Agamoday Samiti

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Page 299
________________ 270 I have borrowed from the Christian Scriptures what was spoken by the mouth of Jesus and is called "a new commandment," but in truth it is an old, old coinmandment, which in the beginning came from the lips and loving natures of our great prophets and teachers, and is not new to us, and is, therefore easily recognized. When the old and the new truth are appreciated and conformed to, then will come to pass that vision of the ancient prophets and seers, in the daily opportunities and methods of man, the principle in the active work of what you call "co-operation,” which is the first proof of brotherhood. From this point also we my truely study and certainly obtain some knowledge of that condition of perfect bliss for which we yearn, and the conditions of which In the lessons I have tried to express are founded, and this for all souls and forever. On this ground also we stand to learn and to know the purpose and the methods of true worship. That worship is not to a person a mere existence who may be concerved as a supreme being only, but it extends to a holy, worthy, pure and perfected ones, who by this method have attained a perfect state and who by their example and virtues and the achievements of their austerities and devotions have made the way for us simple and sweet. We, the Jainists of India say every day in our prayer: “ I worship all perfected souls; I worship all spiritual masters; I worship all spiritual instructors; I worship all holy men Jain Education International national For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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