________________
Jain Diaspora
or state. There have been movements in India like Gorkhaland or Khalistan but Jains always try to mingle with the people where they happen to live. They have never displayed any kind of religious fanaticism; on the contrary their attitude has been liberal towards other religions. This is in consonance with their faith in religious philosophy which says that a person is known not by his/her caste, creed or colour, but by the deeds performed or virtues possessed by him or her. This is evident from the fact that many Jain Acharyas have authored volumes on other religions. A Jain sadhu, in order to acquire the rightful status, has to study the scriptures of not only his own religion but of other religions also. Hemchandracharya, known as sarvona (omniscient) in Kaliyug, worshipped the Shiva Temple in Somnath and Vastupal-Tejpal had donated land for the construction of a mosque. During the drought from Vikram Samvat 1313 to 1315 - Jagadusha opened his graneries to the people irrespective of their caste or religion. Acharya Vijayvallabhsuriji offered donation for the construction of Gurudwara for the Sikhs. Acharya Buddhisagarji opened a hostel for the Dalits. Jayantmuniji works for the welfare of the Adivasis. The greatest example is that of Virayatan. And there are schools, hospitals and community kitchens built by Jain which admit people of all religious hues. About 400 years ago, Akbar and in recent times Gandhiji felt attracted towards Jainism known for its catholic outlook and philosophy of Anekant. Gandhiji studied the anekant philosophy while in South Africa and he said that it helped him to look at a
247
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
