Jaina Philosophy

Author(s): Virchand R Gandhi, Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: World Jain Confederation

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An Exponent of India's Priceless Cultural Heritage
When the dawn breaks over the eastern horizon, the faint light begins to slowly encompass the earth and the living organisms experience the nourishing effect of the morning sun. Similarly, Virchand Gandhi too soaked the people of America and England into in-depth analysis of Jaina Philosophy and the Indian cultural and spiritual values and the glory that is evident in Indian ethos and its various manifestations. He was no ordinary scholar. Apart from being a scholar of Jainism, he was an ardent votary of Buddhism, Sankhya, Vedanta and Nyaya. All those who listened to his discourses felt that they had stumbled upon a treasure trove. Virchand Gandhi cast his net wide and talked about science of Yoga, Botany, nutrition and myriad other subjects.
During the course of his lectures in America and England, he discoursed on the contemporary India and also on the activities of the missionaries. He was well-versed in the ancient as well as in the modern disciplines. His was catholic taste and was not a dyed-in-the-wool Jaina. He would range far and wide and cover the entire gamut of religious and related topics from wonderful feats of memory to astral vision. He talked knowledgeably on Indian women, Indian ethics and Indian industrial scene.
The present volume comprises his speeches and writings. It is surprising to know that during his life-time only two books were published : 'Saviryadhyan' in Gujarati (1889) and 'The
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