Book Title: Jaina Philosophy
Author(s): Virchand R Gandhi, Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: World Jain Confederation

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Page 249
________________ - The Jaina Philosophy be construed adverse in any direction, and to give my impressions only of the delightful and pleasurable things that have come under my notice. In the main this will be true in all. I may have to say, for what I shall say will be said in sincerity, and because in the immaturity of my thought, I cannot do otherwise. My first impression concerns the hospitality of the American people. This is an impression that has grown with every day's and with every hour's acquaintance. I do not mean by this that what I have been permitted to say on all occasions, respecting the people of my own country, their philosophy and their religion, has met with unchallenged acceptance. What I mean to say and do say, is, that in every instance I have been received with perfect cordiality, and have been listened to with the friendliest attention. I came to America with liberal expectations, and when I say (which I gladly do) that thus far my fondest expectations have been more than realized, I only state the truth in moderate terms; for this is true in America as in India, that back of all outward expressions of welcome, of tolerance and of reciprocity, there is the spirit which is larger and deeper, and prophetic of greater expressions than a short acquaintance can give. Whatever permanent lessons, favourable or unfavourable, I may carry away with me, I am sure that this impression will not be weakened, but deepened and heightened. What I have said refers to all portions of the country that I have visited, and to all classes of people that I have had the honor to meet, but it is due to you who are before me, the representatives of and believers in Spiritualism, dwelling temporarily in this beautiful Cassadaga, which I have heard called the “Mecca of Spiritualism in America," that I should say, that the welcome you have accorded me and the interest you have shown in my mission, and the attention you have given to my feeble words, intensify the impression that I have referred to and touch KORISKE 240 Jain Education International For Personal & Private Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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