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

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Page 246
________________ Activities of Jain Religion in the Last Century simultaneously. In Nadiad in the year 1952 of the Vikram era, he wrote Atmasiddhishastra in verse. More than a poet, he was a philosopher, essentially, intent on emancipation. He had a very intense desire to adopt the renouncing life of an ascetic in order to attain to emancipation. Whenever Gandhiji had a doubt in the Hindu religion, he sought an explanation from Raichandbhai. That is why Gandhiji wrote - "I gained the confidence that the Hindu religion can give me what I need and for this Raichandbhai is responsible." (Jain Sahitya Sanshodhak Part 3, Chapter 1 - "Some reminiscences of Raichandbhai. Author : Gandhiji") Afterwards Raichandbhai came to be known as Shrimad Rajchandra. Today his ashramas are at Vadva, Idar, Agas, Vavania, Narol, Devlali and such other places. Here people do the activities of self-study and discipline of the soul. His literature is also being published. The subsect founded by Shri Kanji Swami in 1934 A.D. brought about another change. A native of Umrala in Saurashtra, Shri Kanji Swami abandoned the Sthanakvasi sect and founded an independent schism which ultimately developed into Digambar Sangha. Kanji Swami, who had a sweet tongue and impressive personality, lived in Songadh. He was specially inclined to nishchayanaya. He laid special stress on nishchayanaya propounded in Kundakundacharya's Samayasar and Pravachanasar. The third important incident is the transformation of Terapanth. Under the leadership of Acharya Tulsi this sect assumed altogether a new form and gave active importance to acquisition of knowledge. This is a valuable and exemplary incident. From his monks and nuns he gave great scholars of Sanskrit and Prakrit. Yuvacharya Mahapragna's (Former Muni 229 Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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