Book Title: Jainism The Cosmic Vision
Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: UK Mahavir Foundation London

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Page 224
________________ Virchand Raghavji Gandhi of Jain religion who gave new ideas about morality and philosophy. Though he is only a house-holder and not a monk or religious preacher, he can expound so well. Who must then be his gurus ? His simple, but striking philosophy of life is worth knowing, worth understanding." Another special characteristic of Virchand Raghavji Gandhi's lectures on the Jain religion was that there was no trace of criticism of other religions. Free from sectarian preferences and prejudices, his impartial ideology is an apt expression of the Jain who practices Ahimsa in life and Anekanta in thoughts. His lectures were marked by a fusion of natural sentiments, profound study, and genuine enthusiasm. The lectures served to educate the American society regarding the salient features of Indian culture. Virchand Raghavji Gandhi is the author of The 'Yoga Philosophy', 'The Jain Philosophy' and other books of which 'The Karma Philosophy' may be regarded as his best contribution. In discussing the Jain doctrine of Karma in the book, the author reveals his profound devotion to studies and his awakened and discerning religious sentiments. Virchand Gandhi was not only a philosophical thinker, but he also had the welfare of the nation at heart. There prevailed in America the belief that India was a country of tigers, serpents, magicians and the kings. Christian missionaries also presented to foreign countries a distorted picture of the people in India. Virchand Gandhi made as great an effort as Vivekanand did to give to the people abroad the true perspective of India. Explaining the importance of Indian culture to foreigners, he said, "It is an astonishing that foreigners have been constantly attacking India and that 207 Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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