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

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Page 32
________________ An Exponent of India's Priceless Cultural Heritage of Jaina philosophy. He delivered lectures in important cities like Chicago, Boston, New York, Washington etc. He was cordially received everywhere and his speeches left a very powerful impression upon the minds of the American public. Then he left for England. There too he delivered many lectures at different centres. The credit of initiating many into the study of Jainism goes to Virchand Gandhi. He made the American and the English people realize the sublimity of Jaina philosophy. Gandhi's contribution to Jainism is varied and unforgettable. He interpreted Jainism in its true spirit. He rendered yeoman service to Jainism. He died at an early age of 37. Had he lived longer, lovers of Jainism would have gained even greater benefits from him. He also critically evaluates Vedant and Jainism and responds to Shankaracharya's criticism of syadvad, and later enumerates the stages from the theory of Karma to kevalgyan. While in Chicago for the conference, he met Herbert Warren who tried to get acquainted with the Jaina philosophy systematically from Virchand Gandhi. After his meeting with Virchand Gandhi, Herbert Warren became a votary of Jaina religion and practised its rituals. He also wrote a book on Jaina Religion and resolved to gift to the world what he had received from Virchand Gandhi. He had noted down the lectures of Virchand Gandhi in shorthand.' He got interested in the vows (vratas) of a shravak and out of 12 vows (vratas), he practised 7 vows (vratas) in consonance with his own religion. He gave up meat-eating and later brought out a book entitled 'Jainism'. There is a reference to the fact that Jaina sadhus do not have their own abodes and they move from place to place. Jesus Christ also wandered from one place to another and according to Virchand Gandhi, many Christs were born in different countries and that there was not only one Christ. 23 - Jain Education International For Personal & Private Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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