Jaina Philosophy

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

Page 44

An Exponent of India's Priceless Cultural Heritage
"Among the various communities which have addressed me since my arrival in India there is none whose words of welcome awaken a more responsive echo in my breast than the Jainas. I am aware of the high ideas embodied in your religion, of the scrupulous conception of humanity which you entertain, of your great mercantile influence and activity, and of the ample charities that have characterized your public and private dispensations. Previous travels in India have also familiarized me with many of your temples, in whose architectural features I have observed a refinement that reminds me of the great days of Asiatic art." (p. 250).
Virchand Gandhi delivered a talk on 'Man's relation to the Universe' in Washington and he explained the different forms of 'soul. 'India's Message to America' is an important article which reflects his anguish at India's slavery to the British. He told the Americans that if they had Washington, India had Ashoka and if they boasted about Lincoln, India had an enlightened king Vikramaditya. He, thus, tried to dispel the misconceptions about India created by missionaries and uphold India's glory and pride. In 'Impressions of America' he described his experiences about America, while in 'Some Mistakes Corrected, he has dispelled misconceptions about the Hindus. Some in the west believe that India has no history, but it is a lie, he asserted. There are the Vedas, he said. He also explained the rationale behind the castesystem. He is not defending it, he said, but one must know how it originated. There was no mention of it in the Vedas and hence it is not an integral part of our ancient religion or philosophy. It has, therefore, no religious sanction and is simply a part of the social system.
He also attacks the Westerner's belief that Indian women led a life of slavery. On the contrary, Indian women have been placed on a high pedestal. The moral status of an average Indian
35
-