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

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Page 34
________________ An Exponent of India's Priceless Cultural Heritage Higher Self—thus becoming one with the, Father in Heaven.” This ancient truth was mangled and murdered by theologians in the east and the west: let us all join in reviving and restoring that truth to its former purity and thus help mankind in freeing itself from the bondage of ignorance that is forced upon it. In this article he has shown the stages which enable materialistic people to scale spiritual heights through true sacrifices. In another article 'Jainism', he looks at Jaina religion from a broader perspective and elaborates on the power of soul. The Bible says, 'Thou shalt not kill', while Jaina religion prohibits killing of a living organism. At the end of the article he says that if we honestly try to understand the essence and core values of a religion there will be no cause for any conflict with any other religion. Each religion is a different path to reach the peak. Virchand Gandhi's address on 'Have Christian Missions to India been successful before the members of the Nineteenth Century Club of New York, established him as a powerful exponent of Indian culture. To attack Christian beliefs and practices on American soil in the presence of Christian community was an act of rare courage. It showed that he could be blunt in telling the truth and was an ardent patriot who castigated the activities of missionaries in India. He pointed out in a forthright manner the glory that is India and asserted most eloquently that India is not a country of tigers, cobras, lions and jugglers but it has a rich culture, spiritual heritage, literature, science and a vibrant soul. He vehemently deplored the vicious campaign to defame this ancient country by those influenced by western culture. He also dwelled upon the profound Indian philosophical precepts and tenets and its ancient system of education and thundered: “My brothers and sisters of America, there is not a shadow of hope of Christianizing India.” What an assertion on American soil and in front of Christian audience! 25 Jain Education International For Personal & Private Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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