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Celebrating Jain Society of Houston Pratishtha Mahotsav 1995
He illustrated the specific Jain code of conduct, the the Jain way of life, and explained the cardinal principles of cosmology, comparing it with Buddhism and other religions. He also established the fact that Jainism is older than Buddhism. His discourses convinced the elite of America of the fact that the Jain religion has an authentic and rational religious tradition. Expressing his joy about his new knowledge, an American gentleman gave his opinion about Virchand Gandhi in these words:
'In this religious gathering, a number of philosophers, preachers, and scholars came from India and delivered lectures, and each one of them presented a new perspective and presented an new element so as to convince that their religion ranks with the great religions of the world. Moreover, their oratory and devotion presented distinct types, and were full of wisdom and contemplation. Among them was an outstanding young man of Jain religion who gave new ideas about morality and philosophy. Though he is only a householder, and not a monk or religious preacher, he can expound so well. Who must then be his gurus? His simple but striking philosophy of life is worth knowing, worth understanding.'
'In this religious gathering, a number of philosophers, preachers, and scholars came from India and delivered lectures, and each one of them presented a new perspective and presented an new element so as to convince that their religion ranks with the great religions of the world. Moreover, their oratory and devotion presented distinct types, and were full of wisdom and contemplation. Among them was an outstanding young man of Jain religion who gave new ideas about morality and philosophy. Though he is only a householder, and not a monk or religious preacher, he can expound so well. Who must then be his gurus ? His simple but striking philosophy of life is worth knowing, worth understanding.'
Another special characteristic of Virchand Raghavji Gandhi's lectures on the Jain religion was that they did not deal in criticism of other religions. Free from sectarian preferences and prejudices, his impartial ideology is an apt expression of the Jain who practices Ahimsa in life and Anekanta in thoughts.
His lectures were marked by a fusion of natural sentiments, profound study, and genuine enthusiasm. The lectures served to educate the American society regarding the salient features of Indian culture. Virchand Raghavji Gandhi is the author of The Yoga Philosophy, The Jain Philosophy and other books of which The Karma Philosophy may be regarded as his best contribution.
Jain Education International
In discussing the Jain doctrine of Karma in the book, the author reveals his profound devotion to studies and his awakened and discerning religious sentiments.
Virchand Gandhi was not only a philosophical thinker but he also had the welfare of the nation at heart. There prevailed in America the belief that India was a country of tigers, serpents, magicians and Kings. Christian missionaries also presented to foreign countries a distorted picture of the people in India.
Virchand Gandhi made as great an effort as Vivekanand did, to give to the people abroad, the true perspective on India. Explaining the importance of Indian culture to foreigners, he said, 'It is an astonishing fact that foreigners have been constantly attacking India and in the face of all those aggressions, the soul of India has stood vital and watchful. Her conduct and religion are safe and the whole world looks at India with a steady gaze.
"Cultural distinctions, agriculture, art, artistic skill, literature, good conduct, means of knowledge and science, hospitality, feminism, love and respect - all these are found in India in quite a different form. It that culture was purchasable, England could have purchased it, adopted it. But it has not happened, it cannot happen."
As early as in the year 1893 Virchand Gandhi talked of the economic and political freedom of India. He said to the American people :
'India is at present under the foreign heel. She is independent in the field of religion but when India will be free, she will not invade any country in a violent
manner.'
Virchand Gandhi had a rare ability to see beyond the immediately visible world. He could see beyond this world, he could know the future. Even before the dawn of political independence, Virchand Gandhi had foreseen the proper role of India.
"If India becomes free, she will live in political cooperation with all countries." Five decades before the independence of India, Virchand Gandhi had the prophetic sense; he said in this lecture on 'The Jain Philosophy:
'You know, my brothers and sisters, that we are not an independent nation. We are subjects of Her Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria the 'defender of the faith', but if we are a nation in all that name implies with our own government and our own rulers,
"If your religion leaves your life unchanged, you'd better change your religion" (Author Unknown)
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